Infiltrating mononuclear cells in salivary glands and kidneys in autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice express IL-2 receptor and produce interferon-gamma.
The salivary gland inflammatory lesions and renal vasculitic lesions of autoimmune MRL/lpr mice were analyzed for the presence of activated lymphocytes. Immunohistologic analysis revealed that the majority of lymphocyte-like cells in salivary glands and kidneys expressed CD4 antigen (greater than 50%). Lesser numbers of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expressing and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing cells were present (1-5%). CD4+, IL-2R+, and IFN-gamma + mononuclear cells were found in small inflammatory foci. In larger inflammatory foci the IFN-gamma-producing cells were detected in the periphery in comparable numbers as the IL-2R expressing cells although with different location. Large numbers of cells in the inflammatory foci also expressed MHC Class II molecules (greater than 50%). The expression of IL-2R and production of IFN-gamma in the tissue lesions indicate presence of activated inflammatory T cells. Production of IFN-gamma by the infiltrating mononuclear cells may induce Class II antigens on epithelial cells and stimulate further T cell migration into the inflammatory site.
Jonsson
R
R
Department of Oral Diagnosis, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Holmdahl
R
R
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism*; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; C024138:I-E-antigen; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma