Molecular Mimicry between Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase of Leptospira and Retinal Dehydrogenase 1 of Human Lens: A Potential Trigger for Cataract Formation in Leptospiral Uveitis Patients.

Purpose: Rapidly progressing cataract is one of the ocular manifestations in leptospiral uveitis patients. We examined whether molecular mimicry between the leptospira antigens and lens proteins exists that could result in cataract in these patients.

Methods

Immunoblot analysis using patient sera was done with proteins from normal lens and cataract lens from leptospiral uveitis patients and the cross-reacting lens proteins were identified by mass spectrometry analysis.

Results

Retinal dehydrogenase 1 and crystallins (α-B, α-A2, β-B2), were recognized by the antibodies in the serum of leptospiral uveitis patients. And, retinal dehydrogenase 1 is homologous to the leptospiral protein, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Conclusions

Leptospiral uveitis patient serum contains antibodies that cross-react with multiple lens proteins that have a role in maintaining lens transparency. And, these antibodies could act as a potential trigger for cataractogenesis.