Genetic analysis of the influence of pertussis toxin on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis susceptibility: an environmental agent can override genetic checkpoints.
Pertussis toxin (PTX) is a potent ancillary adjuvant used to elicit several different autoimmune diseases, including experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). To delineate the genetics of PTX effect in EAE, we mapped EAE-modifying (eae-m) loci in cohorts of backcross mice immunized with and without PTX. In this study, we analyzed the genetic basis of EAE susceptibility and severity and the intermediate phenotypes of mononuclear cell infiltration, suppuration, and demyelination. In animals immunized with PTX, one major locus, eae9, controls disease susceptibility and severity. Eae9 also regulates the extent of mononuclear cell infiltration of the spinal cord in male mice. Without PTX, five eae-m loci were noted, including three new loci in intervals on chromosomes 8 (eae14), 10 (eae17), and 18 (eae18). Taken together, these results suggest that eae9 controls the effects of PTX in EAE susceptibility, and is capable of overriding the other genetic checkpoints in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Blankenhorn
E P
EP
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. Libby@drexel.edu
Butterfield
R J
RJ
Rigby
R
R
Cort
L
L
Giambrone
D
D
McDermott
P
P
McEntee
K
K
Solowski
N
N
Meeker
N D
ND
Zachary
J F
JF
Doerge
R W
RW
Teuscher
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006632:Histamine / Q000276:immunology; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D037342:Pertussis Toxin; D019655:Quantitative Trait, Heritable; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella / Q000276:immunology* / Q000633:toxicity
D005819:Genetic Markers; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella; D006632:Histamine; D037342:Pertussis Toxin