Oligonucleotide mimotope profile mirrors antibody repertoire

The diversity of antibodies in blood is in in billion range. Importantly differences in this diversity profile indicate the presence of disease and have potential to predict future complications or risks. Therefore, the identification of disease-associated changes in the antibody profile may serve as a diagnostic tool. However, the assessment of billions of different antibodies in a high number of samples is technically challenging. Our approach to identify the disease-associated antibody reactivity signature is based on the ability of short DNA molecules to form myriads of structures which are predetermined by the nucleotide sequence. Importantly, these structures can serve as mimotopes, molecules mimicking true antibody targets, and therefore being recognized by antibodies. Thus, information on the nucleotide sequence of short DNA molecules bound by antibodies from patient samples will reflect its antibody diversity associated with disease. Comparison of antibody-bound short DNAs between healthy individuals and patients at different disease stages will help to develop a DNA mimotope disease signature. Such signatures may serve as a tool to diagnose and predict disease development in a minimally invasive and cost efficient way.