Abstract
bcl-2 transgenic mice develop anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA antibodies similar to those present in systemic lupus erythematosus. To begin to understand where a breakdown in the regulation of autoreactive lymphocytes is occurring, we have used a bcl-2 transgene (Tg) in conjunction with an Ig Tg that allows us to identify and track anti-dsDNA B cells. Previously, we have shown that anti-dsDNA a cells are actively tolerized in BALB/c mice as manifested by their developmental arrest, follicular exclusion, increased in vivo turnover rate and lack of their antibody in the serum. The bcl-2 Tg mice increased the lifespan of anti-dsDNA a cells, but did not alter the other features of tolerance, indicating that the anergy of the anti-dsDNA a cells is independent of their reduced lifespan. Furthermore, these data suggest that the serum anti-dsDNA antibodies in bcl-2 transgenic mice are not due to a breakdown in the induction or maintenance of a cell anergy; rather they may originate from a cells that have transited through a germinal center.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 353-364 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Immunology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Anti-nuclear antibodies
- Apoptosis
- Autoimmunity
- Germinal center
- Tolerance
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology