Expression of a ZnT8/GAD65 chimera in insect cells useful for Autoimmune
Diabetes diagnosis
Abstract
The combined presence of autoantibodies to the 65 kD isoform of glutamic
acid decarboxylase (GADA) and to the islet-specific cation efflux
transporter ZnT8 (ZnT8A) in serum is the best predictive sign of the
loss of immune tolerance and the clinical manifestation of autoimmune
diabetes mellitus (DM). The screening of GADA and ZnT8A could be an
appropriate alternative to identify diabetic subjects with underlying
autoimmunity, helping to reach to a correct diagnosis and guaranteeing
the start of an early and adequate treatment. Herein, we describe the
expression of a chimera molecule including immunodominant regions of the
antigens ZnT8 and GAD65 by using the baculovirus-insect cells system,
yielding 30 mg/L culture medium. This recombinant chimera retains the
immunoreactive conformation of the epitopes that are recognized by their
specific antibodies, so it was used for the development of a high
sensitivity (75.51 %) and specificity (98.04 %) bridge ELISA for the
detection of highly prevalence ZnT8A and/or GADA, in a one-step
screening assay. This immunoassay is useful either to confirm autoimmune
diabetes or for detection in routine screening of individuals at risk of
autoimmune DM. As DM is a slow progress disease, remaining asymptomatic
for a long preclinical period, serological testing is of importance to
establish a preventive treatment.