Are autoantibodies in primary Sjögren 's syndrome directed against proteasomal subunits of the alpha and beta type?
The humoral antiproteasome response in primary SS, in contrast to its secondary form, is characterized by an extensive recognition pattern of several subunits, indicating a polyspecific B cell activation against the 20S proteasome. Moreover, proteolytically active beta-type subunits, which are important for the generation of major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted antigens, appear to be targets of the autoimmune response. The data indicate that the proteasome itself may stand on a cross point of pathways that links mechanisms of the immune defense with features of systemic autoimmunity.
Long-term mixed-strength programmes can improve MF and FA in elderly females, and FA in elderly males.