[Breakdown of B cell-tolerance and its genetic control].
We examined Fas expression level and apoptosis-sensitivity of autoantibody-producing B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 mice. In young mice, B cells expressed little Fas. However, stimulation with anti-CD40 mAb up-regulated Fas expression, in which B cells were divided into two groups, one Fas(high), apoptosis-sensitive and the other Fas(low), apoptosis-resistant. In aged mice with overt SLE, a considerable proportion of B cells spontaneously expressed low level of Fas with apoptosis-resistant phenotype. Anti-DNA antibodies were virtually produced by apoptosis-resistant Fas(low) B cells in both young and aged mice.
Hirose
S
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Department of Pathology II, Juntendo University School of Medicine.
D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D017209:Apoptosis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000235:genetics; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D015854:Up-Regulation; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000378:metabolism
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D019014:fas Receptor