Human serum recognizes components of plant cells: New research perspectives [Sieri umani riconoscono componenti di cellule vegetali: Nuove prospettive di ricerca]

Human autoantibodies, from commercial positive control sera to ANA or ENA test (ImmunoConcepts Sacramento, CA USA), such as anti-DNP, anti- nucleolar, anti-mithocondrial, anti-RNP, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, were used to immunostain Nicotiana tabacum pollen tubes and meristematic cells of Allium cepa. Nucleoproteins, nucleolus and mitochondrials were specifically stained using indirect immunofluorescence procedures and analyzed by conventional and confocal microscopy. Western blot analysis demonstrated common epitopes in animal and plant nucleoproteins extracts. This study indicates that autoantigens are widely distribute in nature than previously thought, suggesting that also nucleoproteins from plant tissues could be considered possible immunogens associated with systemic connective tissue diseases or, on the other hand, could be used as alternative substrates for their detection. The authors debate on possible fields of research in the future.