The lymphoproliferating cells of MRL-lpr/lpr mice are a polyclonal population that bear the T lymphocyte receptor for antigen.
Mice bearing the recessive gene lpr develop an age-dependent, massive lymphoproliferation, primarily in the lymph nodes (LN), with associated autoimmunity. LN cells from these mice express T cell receptor protein on the cell surface at 50-70% of normal levels. Normal levels of T cell receptor alpha, beta and gamma mRNA were found in these cells as compared to normal LN cells. Southern blot analysis of MRL-lpr/lpr LN DNA showed rearrangements in 80-90% of the chromosomes at the beta gene loci. The pattern of rearrangement indicated that a polyclonal rather than monoclonal expansion of T cells occurred. These data support a lymphokine-induction model of lymphoproliferation in MRL-lpr mice.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000145:classification*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell