Zhang Y, Zhu C, Xia SH, Zhang MY, Liu YR, Guan JL, Huang YJ, Zhao K, Liao JZ, Fan WJ. Mechanism of anti-human antigen D (HuD/ELAVL4) autoantibody-induced enteric neuronal apoptosis in irritable bowel syndrome and its potential for targeted intervention. World J Gastroenterol 2026; 32(22): 117194 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i22.117194]
Andrzej S Tarnawski, MD, PhD, Professor
June 07, 2026, 22:54
Title: Mechanism of anti-HuD autoantibody inducing enteric neuronal apoptosis of irritable bowel syndrome and its potential for targeted intervention. In this experimental study, the authors developed an antibody-mediated IBS model and demonstrated that anti-HuD autoantibodies directly induced apoptosis in enteric neurons by disrupting HuD-mediated RNA regulation. HuD autoantibodies reduced the stability of downstream mRNA and suppressed phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling, leading to neuronal loss and IBS-like gastrointestinal dysfunction. Moreover, they showed that pharmacological activation of protein kinase C restored HuD expression and alleviated neuronal apoptosis. This study highlights a potential therapeutic strategy for IBS associated with autoimmune-mediated enteric neuropathy. The authors should clearly state in the title and abstract what HuD is - stands for.
Replies of this comment
Yu Zhang
June 08, 2026, 03:52
Dear Editor,
Thank you for this helpful suggestion. We agree that the full name of HuD should be clearly stated for readers who may not be familiar with this molecule. We have revised the title and abstract to define HuD as human antigen D, also known as ELAV-like protein 4 (ELAVL4), at its first appearance.
Revised title:
Mechanism of anti-human antigen D (HuD/ELAVL4) autoantibody-induced enteric neuronal apoptosis in irritable bowel syndrome and its potential for targeted intervention
Revised abstract sentence:
Aim
To investigate the role of anti-human antigen D [HuD, also known as ELAV-like protein 4 (ELAVL4)] autoantibodies in enteric neuronal apoptosis in an IBS animal model.
Sincerely,
Yu
Yu Zhang
June 08, 2026, 03:41
Thank you for your comment.
HuD is a neuron-specific RNA-binding protein, encoded by ELAVL4 (Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision Like 4).
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