Increased amplifier T cell activity in autoimmune NZB mice and its possible significance in the expression of autoimmune disease.
The expression of amplifier- and helper-T cell activity was examined in NZB/N mice of different ages. Amplifier T cell activity develops in a cyclic manner; it decreases between 16 and 35 wk of age and then increases to maximal levels in mice older than 50 wk of age. The loss of suppressor T cell activity and increased amplifier T cell activity coincide with the development of autoimmune diseases in aging NZB/N mice. Although helper T cell activity is evident in young NZB/N mice, it is absent in old NZB/N mice expressing maximal amplifier T cell activity. This provides additional support for the fact that amplifier and helper functions are mediated by different subpopulations of T cells.
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008814:Mice, Inbred NZB / Q000276:immunology*; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000637:transplantation; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial