OP0204 Autophagy and Unfolded Protein Response: A Fine Balance that can Influence the Pathogenesis of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background We have shown an increase in the unfolded protein response (UPR) with decreased ERAP1 or ERAP2 function in an in vitro system. Similarly UPR has been demonstrated to correlate with onset of disease in the HLA-B27 rat model. UPR has been difficult to demonstrate in the gut of AS patients but autophagy is upregulated. ERAP2 is associated with both AS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objectives Here we explore the moderating effect of autophagy on UPR. Specifically we study the impact of suppressing autophagy on UPR. Methods Lamina Propria Mononuclear cells (LPMC) were isolated from terminal ileal biopsies of 10 AS patients. Autophagy was suppressed with 2 agents anisomycin and…