title: Lpr-induced systemic autoimmunity is unaffected by mast cell deficiency.
abstract: The function of mast cells in allergic and organ-specific autoimmune responses is highly controversial. In the current study, we aimed to dissect the role of mast cells in systemic autoimmunity in the B6(lpr/lpr) mouse, a spontaneous model of systemic lupus erythematosus. B6(lpr/lpr) mice were interbred with C57Bl/6-Kit(W-sh/W-sh) (Wsh) mice, resulting in mast cell deficiency. The offspring from this cross (Lpr/Wsh mice) developed symptoms of lupus of the same severity as B6(lpr/lpr) mice. Loss of mast cells on the Lpr background did not alter autoantibody production, proteinuria, the composition of T and B cell populations or autoimmune pathology. Reduced c-Kit expression did drive expanded splenomegaly and impeded interleukin-4 production by CD4(+) cells, suggesting minor functions for mast cells. In general, we conclude that mast cell deficiency and c-Kit deficiency do not play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus in B6(lpr/lpr) mice.
authors: Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.|Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Annemarie Em
authors: AE
authors: van Nieuwenhuijze
authors: Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.|Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Bénédicte
authors: B
authors: Cauwe
authors: Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.|Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Denise
authors: D
authors: Klatt
authors: Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.|Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Stéphanie
authors: S
authors: Humblet-Baron
authors: Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.|Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Adrian
authors: A
authors: Liston
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000378:metabolism; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000235:genetics; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D019463:Mice, Inbred MRL lpr; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D015847:Interleukin-4; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit