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Lpr‐induced systemic autoimmunity is unaffected by mast cell deficiency
Author(s) -
Nieuwenhuijze Annemarie EM,
Cauwe Bénédicte,
Klatt Denise,
HumbletBaron Stéphanie,
Liston Adrian
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.2015.49
Subject(s) - autoimmunity , immunology , mast cell , autoantibody , interleukin 33 , pathogenesis , medicine , systemic lupus erythematosus , interleukin , cytokine , immune system , antibody , disease
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.