The presence of anti-LPS antibodies and human serum activity against Proteus mirabilis S/R forms in correlation with TLR4 (Thr399Ile) gene polymorphism in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: Proteus mirabilis strains are human pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections, which may also be involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Design And Methods: We determined whether the binding site of anti-LPS antibodies on the O-polysaccharide part of P. mirabilis LPS correlates with the level of TLR4 (Thr399Ile) gene polymorphism in the sera of RA patients. We investigated the deposition of C3d and C5b complement components on the P. mirabilis LPS. The ELISA method used in this study was optimized with LAL test and laser interferometry.

Results: Depending on LPS P. mirabilis used in these studies, the amount of antibodies in RA patients sera varied. We did not observe a correlation between anti-LPS antibodies binding and the level of TLR4 (Thr399Ile) gene polymorphism. We found that the lower complement components deposition by O49 in contrast to O9 LPS correlates with its reduced sensitivities to human complement-mediated killing.

Conclusion: The immunological response against P. mirabilis LPS might play a role in rheumatoid arthritis.