Characterization of autoantibodies to vasoactive intestinal peptide in asthma

Sudhir Paul, Sami I. Said, Austin B. Thompson, Deanna J. Volle, Devendra K. Agrawal, Hussein Foda, Santiago de la Rocha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a potent relaxant of the airway smooth muscle. In this study, VIP-binding autoantibodies were observed in the plasma of 18% asthma patients and 16% healthy subjects. Immunoprecipitation studies and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and immobilized protein G indicated that the plasma VIP-binding activity was largely due to IgG antibodies. Saturation analysis of VIP binding by the plasma suggested the presence of one or two classes of autoantibodies, distinguished by their apparent equilibrium affinity constants (Ka). The autoantibodies from asthma patients exhibited a larger VIP-binding affinity compared to those from healthy subjects (Ka 7.8 × 109 M-1 and 0.13 × 109 M-1, respectively; P <0.005). The antibodies were specific for VIP, judged by their poor reaction with peptides bearing partial sequence homology with VIP (peptide histidine isoleucine, growth hormone releasing factor and secretin). IgG prepared from the plasma of an antibody-positive asthma patient inhibited the saturable binding of 125I-VIP by receptors in guinea pig lung membranes (by 39-59%; P <0.001). These observations are consistent with a role for the VIP autoantibodies in the airway hyperresponsiveness of asthma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-142
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neurology

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