Prevention of murine lupus by an I-E alpha chain transgene: protective role of I-E alpha chain-derived peptides with a high affinity to I-Ab molecules

B cell MHC haplotype affects follicular inclusion, germinal center participation and plasma cell differentiation in a mouse model of lupus

Introduction

MHC class II molecules are essential for appropriate immune responses against pathogens but are also implicated in pathological responses in autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. Previous studies have shed light on the systemic contributions of MHC haplotypes to the development and severity of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we addressed the B cell intrinsic MHC haplotype impact on follicular inclusion, germinal center (GC) participation and plasma cell (PC) differentiation in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We leveraged the 564Igi mouse model which harbors a B cell receptor knock-in from an autoreactive B cell clone recognizing ribonuclear components, including double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). This model recapitulates the central hallmarks of the early stages of SLE. We compared 564Igi heterozygous offspring on either H2b/b, H2b/d, or H2d/d background.

Results

This revealed significantly higher germinal center (GC) B cell levels in the spleens of H2b/b and H2b/d as compared to H2d/d (p<0.0001) mice. In agreement with this, anti-dsDNA-antibody levels were higher in H2b/b and H2b/d than in H2d/d (p<0.0001), with H2b/b also being higher compared to H2b/d (p<0.01). Specifically, these differences held true both for autoantibodies derived from the knock-in clone and from wild-type (WT) derived clones. In mixed chimeras where 564Igi H2b/b, H2b/d and H2d/d cells competed head-to-head in the same environment, we observed a significantly higher inclusion of H2b/b cells in GC and PC compartments relative to their representation in the B cell repertoire, compared to H2b/d and H2d/d cells. Furthermore, in mixed chimeras in which WT H2b/b and WT H2d/d cells competed for inclusion in GCs associated with an epitope spreading process, H2b/b cells participated to a greater extent and contributed more robustly to the PC compartment. Finally, immature WT H2b/b cells had a higher baseline of BCRs with an autoreactive idiotype and were subject to more stringent negative selection at the transitional stage.

Discussion

Taken together, our findings demonstrate that B cell intrinsic MHC haplotype governs their capacity for participation in the autoreactive response at multiple levels: follicular inclusion, GC participation, and PC output. These findings pinpoint B cells as central contributors to precipitation of autoimmunity.

The MHC haplotype H2b converts two pure nonlupus mouse strains to producers of antinuclear antibodies

Studies of mouse lupus models have linked the MHC H2(b) haplotype with the earlier appearance of antinuclear autoantibodies and the worsening of nephritis. However, it is unknown whether H2(b) by itself, in the context of pure nonlupus strains, is "silent" or sufficient with regard to loss of tolerance to chromatin (nucleosomes). In this study we show that, beginning approximately 6-9 mo of age, H2(b)-congenic BALB/c (denoted BALB.B) mice, unlike BALB/c (H2(d)) and H2(k)-congenic BALB/c (denoted BALB.K) mice, develop strikingly increased serum levels of anti-chromatin Ab dominated by the IgG2a subclass, along with minor increase of Abs to DNA and moderately increased total serum IgG2a. The BALB.B mice did not have glomerulonephritis or an increased mortality rate. H2(b)-congenic C3H/He mice (designated C3.SW mice), unlike C3H/He (H2(k)) mice, showed low but measurable serum levels of chromatin-reactive IgG2a Abs and minor but significant hypergammaglobulinemia. By immunofluorescence, IgG2a of sera from both H2(b)-congenic strains stained HEp-2 cell nuclei, confirming the presence of antinuclear autoantibodies. Thus, in the context of two pure nonlupus genomes, the MHC H2(b) haplotype in homozygous form is sufficient to induce loss of tolerance to chromatin.

Significance of MHC class II haplotypes and IgG Fc receptors in SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic antibody-mediated autoimmune disease that develops under the control of multiple susceptibility genes. Genetic studies in murine and human SLE have identified several chromosomal intervals that contain candidate susceptibility genes. However, the ultimate identification of the genes and their roles in disease process need much further investigation. Spontaneous murine SLE models provide useful tools in this respect. In this chapter, we show this line of investigation, particularly focusing on the roles of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and immunoglobulin G Fc receptors (FcgammaRs). The existence of high-affinity autoantibodies is evidence that autoimmunity in SLE is antigen-driven. Thereby, MHC class II haplotypes have been implicated in SLE susceptibility; however, because of the linkage disequilibrium that exists among the class I, II and III genes within the MHC complex, it has been difficult to discriminate the relative contributions of individual loci. On the other hand, the extent of antibody synthesis upon antigen stimulation and associated inflammatory cascades are controlled in several ways by the balance of stimulatory and inhibitory signaling molecules on immune cells. Stimulatory/inhibitory FcgammaRs mediate one such mechanism, and there are reports indicating the association between polymorphic FcgammaRs and SLE. However, as stimulatory and inhibitory FcgammaRs cluster on the telomeric chromosome 1, the absolute contribution of individual genes has been difficult to dissect. In studies of genetic dissection using interval-congenic and intragenic recombinant mouse strains of SLE models, we show evidence and discuss how and to what extent MHC class II molecules and stimulatory/inhibitory FcgammaRs are involved in SLE susceptibility.

Genetics of SLE in mice

Genetic studies in spontaneous, induced, and gene-manipulated mouse models of SLE have provided significant insights into the potential number and diversity of genes that can promote, resist, and modify lupus susceptibility. Novel genes and mechanisms of disease pathogenesis have also been identified. Importantly, mouse models have provided an initial view of the genomic landscape of lupus-affecting genes, and have documented the complexities of verifying and determining the role of specific candidate loci and genes. Mouse models of lupus should continue to serve as a vital approach to defining the genetics of SLE.

Genetic Dissection of Vasculitis, Myeloperoxidase-Specific Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody Production, and Related Traits in Spontaneous Crescentic Glomerulonephritis-Forming/Kinjoh Mice

The spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh (SCG/Kj) mouse is a model of human crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis associated with the production of the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA). Although the disease is mediated initially by mutation of the Fas gene (lpr), SCG/Kj mice also have non-Fas predisposing genetic factors. To define these factors, genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed on female (B(6)x SCG/Kj) F(2) intercross mice. Fourteen non-Fas QTLs were identified. QTLs of glomerulonephritis were located on chromosomes 1, 10, 13, 16, and 17, vasculitis on chromosomes 1 and 17, splenomegaly on chromosome 1, hypergammaglobulinemia on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, and 17, antinuclear Ab on chromosomes 1, 8, 10, and 12, and MPO-ANCA production on chromosomes 1 and 10. Significant QTLs derived from SCG/Kj on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 13 were designated Scg-1 to Scg-5, respectively, and those derived from B(6) on chromosomes 4, 6, 17, and 10 were designated Sxb-1 to Sxb-4, respectively. Two loci linked to MPO-ANCA production on chromosomes 1 and 10 were designated Man-1 and Man-2 (for MPO-ANCA), respectively. Although both Scg-1 and Scg-2 were on chromosome 1 and shared several functions, it was of interest that aberrant MPO-ANCA production was exclusively controlled by Man-1, the centromeric half region of the Scg-2 chromosomal segment. We also examined the epistatic effects between the lpr mutation and non-Fas susceptibility genes. QTLs are discussed in relation to previously described loci, with emphasis on their candidate genes.

Effects of MHC and gender on lupus-like autoimmunity in Nba2 congenic mice

The lupus-like disease that develops in hybrids of NZB and NZW mice is genetically complex, involving both MHC- and non-MHC-encoded genes. Studies in this model have indicated that the H2d/z MHC type, compared with H2d/d or H2z/z, is critical for disease development. C57BL/6 (B6) mice (H2b/b) congenic for NZB autoimmunity 2 (Nba2), a NZB-derived susceptibility locus on distal chromosome 1, produce autoantibodies to nuclear Ags, but do not develop kidney disease. Crossing B6.Nba2 to NZW results in H2b/z F1 offspring that develop severe lupus nephritis. Despite the importance of H2z in past studies, we found no enhancement of autoantibody production or nephritis in H2b/z vs H2b/b B6.Nba2 mice, and inheritance of H2z/z markedly suppressed autoantibody production. (B6.Nba2 x NZW)F1 mice, compared with MHC-matched B6.Nba2 mice, produced higher levels of IgG autoantibodies to chromatin, but not to dsDNA. Although progressive renal damage with proteinuria only occurred in F1 mice, kidneys of some B6.Nba2 mice showed similar extensive IgG and C3 deposition. We also studied male and female B6.Nba2 and F1 mice with different MHC combinations to determine whether increased susceptibility to lupus among females was also expressed within the context of the Nba2 locus. Regardless of MHC or the presence of NZW genes, females produced higher levels of antinuclear autoantibodies, and female F1 mice developed severe proteinuria with higher frequencies. Together, these studies help to clarify particular genetic and sex-specific influences on the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.

Epitope-dependent inhibition of T cell activation by the Ea transgene: an explanation for transgene-mediated protection from murine lupus

A high level expression of the Ea(d) transgene encoding the I-E alpha-chain is highly effective in the suppression of lupus autoantibody production in mice. To explore the possible modulation of the Ag-presenting capacity of B cells as a result of the transgene expression, we assessed the ability of the transgenic B cells to activate Ag-specific T cells in vitro. By using four different model Ag-MHC class II combinations, this analysis revealed that a high transgene expression in B cells markedly inhibits the activation of T cells in an epitope-dependent manner, without modulation of the I-E expression. The transgene-mediated suppression of T cell responses is likely to be related to the relative affinity of peptides derived from transgenic I-E alpha-chains (Ealpha peptides) vs antigenic peptides to individual class II molecules. Our results support a model of autoimmunity prevention based on competition for Ag presentation, in which the generation of large amounts of Ealpha peptides with high affinity to I-A molecules decreases the use of I-A for presentation of pathogenic self-peptides by B cells, thereby preventing excessive activation of autoreactive T and B cells.

Dissection of the role of MHC class II A and E genes in autoimmune susceptibility in murine lupus models with intragenic recombination

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multigenic autoimmune disease, and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II polymorphism serves as a key genetic element. In SLE-prone (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice, the MHC H-2(d/z) heterozygosity (H-2(d) of NZB and H-2(z) of NZW) has a strong impact on disease; thus, congenic H-2(d/d) homozygous F(1) mice do not develop severe disease. In this study, we used Ea-deficient intra-H-2 recombination to establish A(d/d)-congenic (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice, with or without E molecule expression, and dissected the role of class II A and E molecules. Here we found that A(d/d) homozygous F(1) mice lacking E molecules developed severe SLE similar to that seen in wild-type F1 mice, including lupus nephritis, autoantibody production, and spontaneously occurring T cell activation. Additional evidence revealed that E molecules prevent the disease in a dose-dependent manner; however, the effect is greatly influenced by the haplotype of A molecules, because wild-type H-2(d/z) F(1) mice develop SLE, despite E molecule expression. Studies on the potential of dendritic cells to present a self-antigen chromatin indicated that dendritic cells from wild-type F(1) mice induced a greater response of chromatin-specific T cells than did those from A(d/d) F(1) mice, irrespective of the presence or absence of E molecules, suggesting that the self-antigen presentation is mediated by A, but not by E, molecules. Our mouse models are useful for analyzing the molecular mechanisms by which MHC class II regions regulate the process of autoimmune responses.

IL-12 administration reveals diabetogenic T cells in genetically resistant I-Ealpha-transgenic nonobese diabetic mice: resistance to autoimmune diabetes is associated with binding of Ealpha-derived peptides to the I-A(g7) molecule

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) and NOD-DRalpha transgenic (tg) mice, expressing Aalpha(d):Abeta(g7) and Aalpha(d):Abeta(g7) plus DRalpha:Ebeta(g7) class II molecules, respectively, both develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), whereas NOD-Ealpha tg mice expressing Aalpha(d):Abeta(g7) plus Ealpha:Ebeta(g7) are protected. We show that IL-12 administration induces rapid IDDM onset in NOD-DRalpha but fails to provoke insulitis and diabetes in NOD-Ealpha tg mice. Nevertheless, T cells from IL-12-treated NOD-Ealpha tg mice secrete IFN-gamma and transfer IDDM to NOD-SCID and NOD-Ealpha-SCID recipients, demonstrating the presence of peripheral diabetogenic Th1 cells in the protected mice. Surprisingly, regulatory cells were undetectable. Moreover, Ealpha:Ebeta(g7) could substitute for DRalpha:Ebeta(g7) in Ag presentation, arguing against mechanisms of protection involving capture of diabetogenic I-A(g7)-restricted epitopes by Ealpha:Ebeta(g7)molecules. Interestingly, the expression of naturally processed epitopes derived from DRalpha- and Ealpha-chains bound to I-A(g7) is different in the two strains of tg mice, and the difference is enhanced by IL-12 administration. I-A(g7) molecules from both NOD-DRalpha and NOD-Ealpha tg mice present the conserved DRalpha/Ealpha 52-68 sequence, at high and low levels, respectively. In addition, only IDDM-resistant NOD-Ealpha tg mice possess APCs bearing Ealpha65-77/I-A(g7) complexes, which tolerize the specific T cells. This is associated with the selective inhibition of the response to insulinoma-associated protein 2 (IA-2), an autoantigen in IDDM. Our results support protective mechanisms based on I-A(g7) blockade by peptides unique to the Ealpha-chain, such as Ealpha65-77 and/or tolerance of diabetogenic T cells cross-reactive with Ealpha-peptide/I-A(g7) complexes.

Lessons from BXSB and related mouse models

The BXSB murine strain spontaneously develops an autoimmune syndrome with features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that affects males much earlier than females, due to the presence of an as yet unidentified mutant gene located on its Y chromosome, designated Yaa (Y-linked autoimmune acceleration). The Yaa gene by itself is unable to induce significant autoimmune responses in mice without an apparent SLE background, while it can induce and accelerate the development of an SLE in combination with autosomal susceptibility alleles present in lupus-prone mice. Although the genes encoded within or closely linked to the MHC locus play an important role in the development or protection of SLE, the MHC effect can be completely masked by the presence of the Yaa gene in mice highly predisposed to SLE. The role of the Yaa gene for the acceleration of SLE is apparently two-fold; it enhances overall autoimmune responses against autoantigens to which mice respond relatively weakly, and promotes Th 1 responses against autoantigens to which mice respond relatively well, leading to the production of more pathogenic autoantibodies, i.e., FcgammaR-fixing IgG2a and cryoglobulin IgG3 autoantibodies. Yaa+ - Yaa- double bone marrow chimera experiments revealed that the Yaa defect is expressed in B cells, but not in T cells, and that T cells from non-autoimmune mice are capable of providing help for autoimmune responses by collaborating Yaa+ B cells. We speculate that the Yaa defect may decrease the threshold for antigen receptor-dependent stimulation, leading to the triggering and excessive stimulation of autoreactive T and B cells.

Characterization of CD4(+) T cell autoreactivity to self-MHC in New Zealand hybrid mice

The New Zealand white (NZW) H2(z) locus is strongly associated with the development of autoimmune disease in (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice, a model of systemic lupus erythematosus. To better understand the role of H2(z) in autoimmunity, we generated CD4(+) T cell hybridomas from the spleen and lymph nodes of unimmunized (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice and characterized their specificity. We found that over 50% of the hybridomas responded to syngeneic (H2(d/z)) spleen cells in the absence of exogenous antigen. Many of these autoreactive hybridomas responded to spleen cells expressing H2(z) and used H2(z) class II (I-A(z) or I-E(z)) molecules for presentation. Interestingly, nearly one third of the H2(z)-reactive hybridomas could not respond to spleen cells expressing only H2(z) class II molecules. These studies characterize a frequent population of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells in lupus mice and indicate that major histocompatibility complex molecules in addition to class II may be important for this self-recognition.

HLA association with autoimmune disease: a failure to protect?

That certain HLA specificities are associated with predisposition to autoimmune disease does not necessarily imply that self-reactive T cells restricted to particular HLA alleles are eliciting the disease. In the present essay, we argue that HLA can be a major genetic factor in the development of autoimmune diseases without T cells being primarily involved in its initiation or perpetuation. There is now ample evidence that self-reactive, regulatory T cells can protect against pernicious autoimmunity. Hereafter, we propose that extended HLA haplotypes, such as DQ3-DR4, DQ3-DR9, DQ5-DR1 and DQ5-DR10 in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, predispose to impaired T-cell-mediated immune regulation. The haplotypes associated with impaired regulation are the combination of certain class II alleles and a yet unknown 'amplifier'. In this model, products of the HLA class II region are not involved in the presentation of particular organ-specific autoantigens. Therefore, HLA does not predispose to autoimmune disease per se, but rather fails to provide efficient protection.

Protection of murine lupus by the Ead transgene is MHC haplotype-dependent

A high-level expression of a transgene, Ead, encoding the I-Ed alpha-chain is very effective in protection against murine lupus. To investigate the specific contribution of select H-2 haplotypes on the Ead transgene-mediated disease-suppressing effect, we generated H-2 congenic (NZB x BXSB)F1 hybrid mice bearing either H-2b/b, H-2d/b, or H-2d/d haplotype, and compared the transgene-mediated protective effect on the clinical development (autoantibody production and glomerulonephritis) of lupus in these F1 hybrids. The level of protection was most remarkable in mice bearing the I-E- H-2b/b haplotype but was only minimal in I-E+ H-2d/d F1 hybrids. Additional analysis demonstrated a marked suppression of lupus in I-E+ H-2k/k (MRL x BXSB)F1 hybrid mice, indicating that the transgene is able to suppress autoimmune responses even in mice already expressing I-E molecules at a homozygous level. Our results indicate that the level of the transgene-mediated protection is dependent on the host H-2 haplotype. This suggests that the autoimmune suppressive activity of the Ead transgene is likely to be determined through the interaction of the transgene product with the host MHC class II molecules, providing new insight into the role of MHC in lupus-like autoimmunity.

No support for HLA-DQ encoded susceptibility in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To test predictions based on data from immunogenetic and peptide-binding studies of collagen-induced arthritis in mice, in which it has been suggested that susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might be determined by the interaction between susceptibility alleles at the HLA-DQ locus and protective alleles at the HLA-DRB1 locus (including susceptibility effects for HLA-DQ7 and DQ8).

METHODS

Predictions based on these models were tested in 166 healthy controls and 167 patients with RA, all of whom were typed for HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQ alleles.

RESULTS

In this population, HLA-DQ7 did not encode an increased risk for RA. This lack of susceptibility effect of HLA-DQ7 could not be attributed to competing HLA-DQ susceptibility alleles, protective HLA-DRB1 alleles, or the absence of DQA1*0301.

CONCLUSION

These observations do not support the DR/DQ hypothesis in its present form.

Effect of genetic background on Ea(d) transgene-mediated protection from murine lupus

The expression of a transgenic encoding the I-E alpha-chain, Ea(d), is highly effective in the protection from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in BXSB and (MRL x BXSB)F1 male mice, in which a mutant gene, Yaa (Y-linked autoimmune acceleration), plays a critical role. To gain further insight into the protective role of the Ea(d) transgene, we compared the effect of the transgene in two additional lupus-prone (NZB x BXSB)F1 and (NZW x BXSB)F1 hybrid mice, in which both F1 female mice develop typical SLE in the absence of the Yaa gene and their F1 males bearing the Yaa gene develop a more accelerated form of SLE. Comparative analysis of the clinical development of SLE in these F1 hybrid mice showed that Ea(d) transgene expression was much more effective in the protection from SLE occurring in the F1 females than in their male counterparts. Our results indicate that the Ea(d) transgene is capable of preventing SLE by inhibiting autoimmune responses, independently of the Yaa gene-accelerating effect, and that its protective capacity is strongly influenced by the genetic susceptibility to SLE in individual strains of lupus-prone mice. In addition, this autoimmune inhibitory effect was shown to be selective for IgG, but not IgM, anti-DNA autoantibody production, and is more specific for anti-gp70 autoantibody than for anti-DNA autoantibody. These results favour the hypothesis that the transgene expression may lead to the modulation of self-peptide presentation, thereby preventing excessive T-cell-dependent activation of autoreactive B cells.

Genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus

Considerable evidence suggests that the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has a strong genetic basis. Recent studies have emphasized that this disease, like other autoimmune diseases, is a complex genetic trait with contributions from major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and multiple non-MHC genes. Etiologic genes in these disorders determine susceptibility, and no particular gene is necessary or sufficient for disease expression. Studies of murine models of lupus have provided important insight into the immunopathogenesis of IgG autoantibody production and lupus nephritis, and genetic analyses of these mice overcome certain obstacles encountered when studying patients. Genome-wide linkage studies of different crosses have mapped the position of at least 12 non-MHC disease-susceptibility loci in the New Zealand hybrid model of lupus. Although the identity of the actual genes is currently unknown, recent studies have begun to characterize how these genetic contributions may function in the autoimmune process, especially in terms of their role in autoantibody production. Studies of MHC gene contributions in New Zealand mice have shown that heterozygosity for particular haplotypes greatly increases pathogenic autoantibody production and the incidence of severe nephritis. The mechanism for this effect appears to be genetically complex. Studies in human SLE have mostly focused on the association of disease with alleles of immunologically relevant genes, especially in the MHC. Associations with various complement component deficiencies and an allele of a particular Fc gamma receptor gene (FCGR2A) also have been described. In a diversion from previous association studies, a recent directed linkage analysis of sibpairs with SLE was based on mapping studies in murine lupus and may be an important step toward identifying a new disease-susceptibility gene in patients. Since the genes that predispose to autoimmunity are probably related to key events in pathogenesis, their identification in patients and murine models will almost certainly provide important insight into the breakdown of immunological self-tolerance and the cause of autoimmune disease.

Contributions of Ea z and Eb z MHC Genes to Lupus Susceptibility in New Zealand Mice

Unlike parental New Zealand Black (NZB) or New Zealand White (NZW) mice, (NZB × NZW)F1 mice exhibit a lupus-like disease characterized by IgG autoantibody production and severe immune complex-mediated nephritis. In studies of the genetic susceptibility to disease in this F1 model, the NZW MHC (H2z) has been strongly linked with the development of disease, and it was hypothesized that class II MHC genes, particularly Ez genes, may underlie this genetic contribution. In the present study, we bred transgenic B6 mice expressing I-Ez or congenic B6 mice carrying H2z with NZB mice and used a backcross analysis to test the hypothesis that Eaz and/or Ebz genes account for the effect of H2z on disease. The genetic analysis of different backcross combinations showed that unlike mice carrying H2z, mice inheriting Ez transgenes do not demonstrate increased IgG autoantibody production or increased incidence of nephritis. Surprisingly, in the same transgenic backcross mice, inheritance of the endogenous H2b from the B6 strain was strongly linked with the production of IgG autoantibodies, but not with disease. Additional experiments suggested that the level of IgG3 autoantibody production, which is controlled by H2, may be important in the pathogenesis of renal disease. Contributions to autoantibody production were also detected from an NZB locus on distal chromosome 1 (previously named Nba2). Together, these studies provide new insight into the role of MHC in lupus-like autoimmunity.

Role of the major histocompatibility complex class II Ea gene in lupus susceptibility in mice

The gene(s) encoded within major histocompatibility complex (MHC) act as one of the major genetic elements contributing to the susceptibility of murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have recently demonstrated that lupus susceptibility is more closely linked to the I-E- H-2(b) haplotype than to the I-E+ H-2(d) haplotype in lupus-prone BXSB and (NZB x BXSB)F1 hybrid mice. To investigate whether the reduced susceptibility to SLE in H-2(d) mice is related to the expression of the MHC class II Ea gene (absent in H-2(b) mice), we determined the possible role of the Ea gene as a lupus protective gene in mice. Our results showed that (i) the development of SLE was almost completely prevented in BXSB (H-2(b)) mice expressing two copies of the Ead transgene at the homozygous level as well as in BXSB H-2(k) (I-E+) congenic mice as for H-2(d) BXSB mice, and (ii) the expression of two functional Ea (transgenic and endogenous) genes in either H-2(d/b) (NZB x BXSB)F1 or H-2(k/b) (MRL x BXSB)F1 mice provided protection from SLE at levels comparable to those conferred by the H-2(d/d) or H-2(k/k) haplotype. In addition, the level of the Ea gene-mediated protection appeared to be dependent on the genetic susceptibility to SLE in individual lupus-prone mice. Our results indicate that the reduced susceptibility associated with the I-E+ H-2(d) and H-2(k) haplotypes (versus the I-E- H-2(b) haplotype) is largely, if not all, contributed by the apparent autoimmune suppressive effect of the Ea gene, independently of the expression of the I-A or other MHC-linked genes.