Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is Associated with Circulating Antiepithelial Antibodies

Fahim, Ahmed; Chong, Mei C.; Crooks, Michael G.; Hart, Simon P.

Authors

Ahmed Fahim

Mei C. Chong



Abstract

PurposeIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a restrictive fibrotic lung disease of uncertain etiology. Alveolar epithelial injury may be one of the inciting triggers in the pathogenesis of this disorder. We hypothesized that circulating antibodies to alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of IPF. MethodsAntibodies to alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence using alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells respectively. IgG and IgM antibodies in patients’ serum were evaluated. Patterns of immunofluorescence, including membranous, cytoplasmic, and nuclear staining, were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. The severity of immunofluorescence was divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Fifty-six patients (IPF=28, non-IPF ILD=9, non-ILD control=19) were evaluated for antiepithelial antibodies, and 28 patients (IPF=12, non-IPF ILD=3, non-ILD control=13) were studied for antiendothelial antibodies. ResultsCompared with control subjects, serum from IPF patients displayed significantly higher IgG binding to alveolar epithelial cells (P=0.041) with a membranous pattern of immunofluorescence. However, there was no significant difference in immunofluorescence with IgG on endothelial cells (P=0.165). In terms of IgM antibodies, there was no differential fluorescence observed for either epithelial or endothelial cells. ConclusionsThere is evidence of increased IgG antibodies directed against alveolar epithelium in IPF. These antibodies may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of this fibrotic disorder. The findings of this study suggest further evaluation of the role of immune mediated alveolar epithelial injury in IPF.

Citation

Fahim, A., Chong, M. C., Crooks, M. G., & Hart, S. P. (2012). Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is Associated with Circulating Antiepithelial Antibodies. Lung, 190(4), 451-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-012-9390-z

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 23, 2012
Online Publication Date May 16, 2012
Publication Date 2012-08
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal LUNG
Print ISSN 0341-2040
Electronic ISSN 1432-1750
Publisher Springer Verlag
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 190
Issue 4
Pages 451-458
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-012-9390-z
Keywords Antiendothelial antibodies; Antiepithelial antibodies; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Interstitial lung disease; Immunofluorescence
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/417507
Publisher URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00408-012-9390-z