|
||
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol 180, 1295-1306, Copyright © 1994 by Rockefeller University Press
ARTICLES |
MJ Shlomchik, MP Madaio, D Ni, M Trounstein and D Huszar
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111.
The primary roles of T cells and B cells in the initiation of systemic autoimmunity are unclear. To investigate the role of B cells, we crossed the "Jh knockout" mutation onto the autoimmune lpr/lpr background. Animals homozygous for both traits were obtained. As expected, these animals lack B cells. These animals also show no signs of autoimmune kidney destruction nor vasculitis, in spite of carrying the lpr/lpr mutation. In contrast, lpr/lpr littermates that had B cells had severe nephritis and vasculitis, as well as autoantibodies. These results demonstrate a primary role for B cells and/or (auto)antibodies in initiating several types of autoimmune-mediated tissue destruction. The implications of this finding for models and therapy of autoimmunity are discussed.
This article has been cited by other articles:
| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
|