No evidence for increased incidence of common cellular antigens recognized by Crohn's disease antisera.

Autoimmunity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. However, the molecular nature of the antigens involved is unknown. This study was undertaken to determine whether Crohn's disease antisera contain antibodies directed against any common cellular antigens. Antigenic proteins were investigated by immunoblotting after gel electrophoresis of cell extracts. RNA containing antigens were detected by in vivo labelling of cells and immunoprecipitation of cell extracts. No protein or RNA species specifically recognized by Crohn's disease antisera was detected. These results suggest that antibody mediated cell injury due to antisera containing antibodies to common cellular proteins does not occur in Crohn's disease.