Immunization with Porphyromonas gingivalis enolase induces autoimmunity to mammalian α-enolase and arthritis in DR4-IE-transgenic mice

Abstract

This is the first animal model that links an immune response to P gingivalis enolase to an important subset of RA, defined by antibodies to citrullinated α-enolase in the context of DR4. The fact that arthritis and anti-CEP-1 antibodies were induced independent of citrullination of the immunizing antigen suggests that the unmodified form of α-enolase may be important in initiating the corresponding subset of human RA.