ERAP1 structure, function and pathogenetic role in ankylosing spondylitis and other MHC-associated diseases

• ERAP1 is a multifunctional aminopeptidase involved in antigen processing.
• It is associated with ankylosing spondylitis and other MHC-I-related diseases.
• ERAP1 polymorphism has a significant influence on the HLA-B27 peptidome.
• This influence is based on altering the epitope generation/destruction balance.
• The pathogenetic role of ERAP1 might go beyond its influence on antigen processing.

The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the final processing of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) ligands and with a significant influence in the stability and immunological properties of MHC-I proteins. ERAP1 polymorphism is associated with ankylosing spondylitis among HLA-B27-positive individuals and the altered enzymatic activity of natural variants has significant effects on the HLA-B27 peptidome, suggesting a critical pathogenetic role of peptides in this disease. Likewise, the association of ERAP1 with other MHC-I associated disorders and its epistasis with their susceptibility MHC alleles point out to a general role of the MHC-I peptidome in these diseases. The functional interaction between ERAP1 and HLA-B27 or other MHC-I molecules may be related to the processing of specific epitopes, or to a more general peptide-dependent influence on other biological features of the MHC-I proteins. In addition, from a consideration of the reported functions of ERAP1, including its involvement in angiogenesis and macrophage activation, a more complex and multi-level influence in the inflammatory and immune pathways operating in these diseases cannot be ruled out.