The contribution of NZW genes to lupus-like disease in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice

Compromised NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome function in autoimmune NZB/W F1 mouse macrophages

Inflammasomes are protein complexes activated by infection and cellular stress that promote caspase-1 activation and subsequent inflammatory cytokine processing and cell death. It has been anticipated that inflammasome activity contributes to autoimmunity. However, we previously showed that macrophages from autoimmune New Zealand Black (NZB) mice lack NLRP3 inflammasome function, and their absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome responses are compromised by high expression of the AIM2 antagonist protein p202. Here we found that the point mutation leading to lack of NLRP3 expression occurred early in the NZB strain establishment, as it is shared with the related obese strain New Zealand Obese, but not with the unrelated New Zealand White (NZW) strain. The first cross progeny of NZB and NZW mice develop more severe lupus nephritis than the NZB strain. We have compared AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasome function in macrophages from NZB, NZW, and NZB/W F1 mice. The NZW parental strain showed strong inflammasome function, whereas the NZB/W F1 have haploinsufficient expression of NLRP3 and show reduced NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome responses, particularly at low stimulus strength. It remains to be established whether the low inflammasome function could contribute to loss of tolerance and the onset of autoimmunity in NZB and NZB/W F1. However, with amplifying inflammatory stimuli through the course of disease, the NLRP3 response in the NZB/W F1 may be sufficient to contribute to kidney damage at later stages of disease.

An Lck-cre transgene accelerates autoantibody production and lupus development in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the development of antinuclear autoantibodies and immune complex-mediated tissue damage. T cells in lupus patients appear to undergo apoptosis at an increased rate, and this enhanced T cell apoptosis has been postulated to contribute to lupus pathogenesis by increasing autoantigen load. However, there is no direct evidence to support this hypothesis. In this study, we show that an Lck-cre transgene, which increases T cell apoptosis as a result of T cell-specific expression of cre recombinase, accelerates the development of autoantibodies and nephritis in lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mice. Although the enhanced T cell apoptosis in Lck-cre transgenic mice resulted in an overall decrease in the relative abundance of splenic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, the proportion of activated CD4(+) T cells was increased and no significant change was observed in the relative abundance of suppressive T cells. We postulate that the Lck-cre transgene promoted lupus by enhancing T cell apoptosis, which, in conjunction with the impaired clearance of apoptotic cells in lupus-prone mice, increased the nuclear antigen load and accelerated the development of anti-nuclear autoantibodies. Furthermore, our results also underscore the importance of including cre-only controls in studies using the cre-lox system.

Linking susceptibility genes and pathogenesis mechanisms using mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a challenging autoimmune disease from a clinical perspective because of its varied forms of presentation. Although broad-spectrum steroids remain the standard treatment for SLE, they have many side effects and only provide temporary relief from the symptoms of the disease. Thus, gaining a deeper understanding of the genetic traits and biological pathways that confer susceptibility to SLE will help in the design of more targeted and effective therapeutics. Both human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and investigations using a variety of mouse models of SLE have been valuable for the identification of the genes and pathways involved in pathogenesis. In this Review, we link human susceptibility genes for SLE with biological pathways characterized in mouse models of lupus, and discuss how the mechanistic insights gained could advance drug discovery for the disease.

Chance, genetics, and the heterogeneity of disease and pathogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a remarkably complex and heterogeneous systemic autoimmune disease. Disease complexity within individuals and heterogeneity among individuals, even genetically identical individuals, is driven by stochastic execution of a complex inherited program. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have progressively improved understanding of which genes are most critical to the potential for SLE and provided illuminating insight about the immune mechanisms that are engaged in SLE. What initiates expression of the genetic program to cause SLE within an individual and how that program is initiated remains poorly understood. If we extrapolate from all of the different experimental mouse models for SLE, we can begin to appreciate why SLE is so heterogeneous and consequently why prediction of disease outcome is so difficult. In this review, we critically evaluate extrinsic versus intrinsic cellular functions in the clearance and elimination of cellular debris and how dysfunction in that system may promote autoimmunity to nuclear antigens. We also examine several mouse models genetically prone to SLE either because of natural inheritance or inheritance of induced mutations to illustrate how different immune mechanisms may initiate autoimmunity and affect disease pathogenesis. Finally, we describe the heterogeneity of disease manifestations in SLE and discuss the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis with emphasis on glomerulonephritis. Particular attention is given to discussion of how anti-DNA autoantibody initiates experimental lupus nephritis (LN) in mice.

An NZW-derived interval on chromosome 7 moderates sialadenitis, but not insulitis in congenic nonobese diabetic mice

Autoimmune lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary glands, termed sialadenitis, is a pathologic feature of Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) that is also prominent in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Genetic factors regulate sialadenitis, and a previous (NOD x NZW)F2 study detected linkage to murine chromosome (Chr) 7. The locus, subsequently annotated as Ssial3, maps to the distal end of Chr7 and overlaps a region associated with type 1 diabetes susceptibility in NOD mice. To examine whether Ssial3 could contribute to both diseases, or was specific for SjS, we generated a congenic mouse strain that harbored an NZW-derived Chr7 interval on the NOD genetic background. This congenic strain exhibited reduced sialadenitis compared with NOD mice and confirmed Ssial3. This reduction, however, did not ameliorate saliva abnormalities associated with SjS-like disease in NOD mice, nor were congenic mice protected against insulitis (lymphocytic infiltration of the pancreatic islets) or diabetes onset. Thus, the Ssial3 locus appears to have a tissue-specific effect for which the NZW allele is unable to prevent other autoimmune traits in the NOD mouse. Anomalous increases for antinuclear Ab production and frequency of marginal-zone B cells were also identified in congenic mice, indicating that the NZW-derived Chr7 interval has a complex effect on the NOD immune system.

Early growth response gene 2 (Egr-2) controls the self-tolerance of T cells and prevents the development of lupuslike autoimmune disease

Maintaining tolerance of T cells to self-antigens is essential to avoid autoimmune disease. How self-reactive T cells are kept functionally inactive is, however, unknown. In this study, we show that early growth response gene 2 (Egr-2), a zinc-finger transcription factor, is expressed in CD44^high T cells and controls their proliferation and activation. In the absence of Egr-2, CD44^high, but not CD44^low T cells, are hyperreactive and hyperproliferative in vivo. The accumulation of activated CD4⁺CD44^high T cells leads to the development of a late onset lupuslike autoimmune disease characterized by the accumulation of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17–producing CD4⁺ T cells, loss of tolerance to nuclear antigens, massive infiltration of T cells into multiple organs and glomerulonephritis. We found that the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21cip1 was impaired in Egr-2–deficient T cells, whereas the expression of IFN-γ and IL-17 in response to T cell receptor ligation was significantly increased, suggesting that Egr-2 activates the expression of genes involved in the negative regulation of T cell proliferation and inflammation. These results demonstrate that Egr-2 is an intrinsic regulator of effector T cells and controls the expansion of self-reactive T cells and development of autoimmune disease.

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.

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.

Dichotomous effects of complete versus partial class II major histocompatibility complex deficiency on circulating autoantibody levels in autoimmune-prone mice

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of altered class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII) expression on circulating autoantibody levels in C57BL/6 (B6) mice congenic for the Sle1 (B6.Sle1 mice) or Nba2 (B6.Nba2 mice) regions.

METHODS

H-2Ab(+/+) (MHCII-intact), H-2Ab(+/-) (MHCII-intermediate), and H-2Ab(-/-) (MHCII-deficient) littermate B6.Sle1 and B6.Nba2 mice were evaluated for spleen cell phenotype, numbers of splenic Ig-secreting cells, and serum levels of total IgM, total IgG, IgG antichromatin, IgG antihistone, and IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA).

RESULTS

Compared with their MHCII-intact littermates, MHCII-deficient B6.Sle1 and B6.Nba2 mice developed markedly decreased circulating levels of IgG autoantibodies, along with decreased circulating levels of total IgG. In sharp contrast, MHCII-intermediate mice developed increased circulating levels of IgG autoantibodies. This was associated with increased numbers of splenic Ig-secreting cells and serum levels of total IgG in B6.Sle1 mice, but it occurred without concomitant increases in the numbers of splenic Ig-secreting cells or serum total IgG levels in B6.Nba2 mice.

CONCLUSION

In 2 clinically healthy strains of mice with a genetic proclivity for developing autoantibodies, the effects of class II MHC expression on levels of circulating IgG autoantibodies were found to be complex. In the absence of MHCII expression, circulating IgG autoantibody levels were minimal. With full MHCII expression, circulating IgG autoantibody levels were considerable. With intermediate MHCII expression, circulating IgG autoantibody levels were even greater. These last findings may help explain why heterozygosity at the H-2 locus is associated with increased autoantibody titers and aggravated disease in certain lupus-prone mice.

A genetic analysis of lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multigenic inherited disease with susceptibility determined by a combination of genetic, environmental and stochastic factors. Although not yet defined, recent technical advances have provided the means to dissect the component genetic contributions of polygenic traits. We have applied such approaches to mouse models of spontaneous SLE and, in this report, summarize our genome wide mapping studies that identified loci predisposing to several major lupus-related traits. Through the generation and study of interval congenic lines, precise mapping, and screening of candidate genes, identification of the specific genes and mechanisms associated with some of the major loci is currently being pursued.

Aging-dependent exclusion of antigen-inexperienced cells from the peripheral B cell repertoire

Aging is accompanied by greatly reduced B cell production in the bone marrow, yet peripheral B cell numbers do not decline. We hypothesize that this may reflect filling of the peripheral pool with B cells that are long-lived as a consequence of specificity for, and chronic stimulation by, environmental Ags. To begin to explore this possibility, we analyzed the effects of aging on B cell population dynamics in the anti-H2(k/b) 3-83 mu-delta Ig-transgenic mouse. We predicted that, because they presumably do not bind environmental Ags, B cells bearing the transgenic receptor may be lost in aged animals. As seen in nontransgenic animals, total splenic B cell numbers remained constant with age in the Ig-transgenic animals despite reduced B cell production. Importantly, although the few newly produced B cells in the bone marrow of aged mice are 3-83 positive, the peripheral compartment of these mice is dominated by B cells that express endogenous Ig genes rather than the transgenes. This population includes large numbers of marginal zone-like and CD21(low/-)CD23(low/-)IgM(low) B cells, as well as elevated numbers of CD5+ B cells. Many of these cells express only non-B220 CD45 isoforms, suggesting that they may be memory cells. A significant proportion of aged transgenic animals produce autoantibodies that are reactive with ssDNA, dsDNA, or histones. Results support the hypothesis that, in the face of severely reduced production with age, B cells are selected based on reactivity to environmental Ags, accumulate, and display activated phenotypes. Cells bearing 3-83-transgenic receptors are excluded from this population due to their specificity. Beyond their importance in aging, these findings define a novel form of receptor revision in which B cells are selected rather than deleted based on Ag reactivity.

A novel susceptibility locus on chromosome 2 in the (New Zealand Black x New Zealand White)F1 hybrid mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is inherited as a complex polygenic trait. (New Zealand Black (NZB) x New Zealand White (NZW)) F(1) hybrid mice develop symptoms that remarkably resemble human SLE, but (NZB x PL/J)F(1) hybrids do not develop lupus. Our study was conducted using (NZW x PL/J)F(1) x NZB (BWP) mice to determine the effects of the PL/J and the NZW genome on disease. Forty-five percent of BWP female mice had significant proteinuria and 25% died before 12 mo of age compared with (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice in which >90% developed severe renal disease and died before 12 mo. The analysis of BWP mice revealed a novel locus (chi(2) = 25.0; p < 1 x 10(-6); log of likelihood = 6.6 for mortality) designated Wbw1 on chromosome 2, which apparently plays an important role in the development of the disease. We also observed that both H-2 class II (the u haplotype) and TNF-alpha (TNF(z) allele) appear to contribute to the disease. A suggestive linkage to proteinuria and death was found for an NZW allele (designated Wbw2) telomeric to the H-2 locus. The NZW allele that overlaps with the previously described locus Sle1c at the telomeric part of chromosome 1 was associated with antinuclear autoantibody production in the present study. Furthermore, the previously identified Sle and Lbw susceptibility loci were associated with an increased incidence of disease. Thus, multiple NZW alleles including the Wbw1 allele discovered in this study contribute to disease induction, in conjunction with the NZB genome, and the PL/J genome appears to be protective.

Genetic aspects of inherent B-cell abnormalities associated with SLE and B-cell malignancy: lessons from New Zealand mouse models

Genes that predispose to SLE are closely related to key events in pathogenesis of this disease. As much of the pathology can be attributed to high affinity autoantibodies and/or their immune complexes, some of the genes may exert effects in the process of emergence, escape from tolerance mechanisms, activation, clonal expansion, differentiation, class switching and affinity maturation of self-reactive B cells. A number of growth and differentiation factors and signaling molecules, including positive and negative regulators, are involved in this process. Genetic variations associated with functional deficits in some of such molecules can be involved in the susceptibility for SLE. As is the case with SLE, hereditary factors play significant roles in the pathogenesis of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Patients with B-CLL or their family members frequently have immunological abnormalities, including those associated with SLE. It is suggested that certain genetically determined regulatory abnormalities of B cells may be a crossroad between B-CLL and SLE. A thorough understanding of the genetic pathways in B cell abnormalities leading to either SLE or B-CLL is expected to shed light on their association. New Zealand mouse strains are pertinent laboratory models for these studies. Chromosomal locations of several major genetic loci for abnormal proliferation, differentiation and maturation of B cells and relevant candidate genes, located in close proximity to these intervals and potentially related to the SLE pathogenesis, have been identified in these mice. Further studies make for a wider knowledge and understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE and related B-cell malignancy.

Lessons from the NZM2410 model and related strains

SLE susceptibility requires the interplay of an unknown number of genes and equally unidentified triggering events. The past few years have seen significant advances in our understanding of SLE susceptibility through the genetic analysis of murine models. The NZM2410 strain, which is derived from the NZB/WF1 model has played a significant role in these advances. The main advantages presented by this strain over other models are the genetic homozygozity at all loci and an highly penetrant early onset lupus nephritis in both males and females, indicating that the strongest BWF1 susceptibility loci were retained in NZM2410. After identification of NZM2410 susceptibility loci via linkage analyses, congenic strains have been derived in order to convert a polygenic system into a series of monogenic traits. These congenic strains have been analyzed in an integrated process which has provided simultaneously 1) novel functional characterization of the Sle susceptibility loci, 2) high resolution genetic maps that will lead to the identification of the corresponding susceptibility genes by either candidate locus or positional cloning, and 3) insights into the mechanisms by which these loci interact to produce systemic autoimmunity with fatal end-organ damage.

Genetics of systemic autoimmunity in mouse models of lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is inherited as a complex polygenic trait, involving genetic, environmental and stochastic factors. Although definition of these etiologic processes has been elusive, solid progress has been made toward elucidating the genetic basis for susceptibility. Herein, we summarize our genome wide mapping effort that has defined loci for component phenotypes for lupus-prone NZB, NZW, MRL-Fas(lpr) and BXSB strains. With this framework in place, identification of the specific genetic alterations and mechanisms is now proceeding through the generation of interval congenic lines, precise mapping and screening of candidate genes. In addition to this approach, transgenic and gene knockout studies have begun to identify genes that can induce or modify autoimmunity in nonautoimmune and lupus-prone background mice, including studies by us and others on Th1 and Th2 cytokine genes in lupus. It is apparent that a diversity of genes and mechanisms can independently or in combination promote systemic autoimmunity in mice. This complexity, which is also observed in human lupus, emphasizes the importance of using experimental and less complex mouse models to define these processes, a tactic that has already yielded new insights. With current technologies and the anticipated definition of mammalian genomes, identification of genes predisposing to lupus and elucidation of processes critical for disease pathogenesis appear within grasp.

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.

A receptor presentation hypothesis for T cell help that recruits autoreactive B cells

To uncover mechanisms that drive spontaneous expansions of autoreactive B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus, we analyzed somatic mutations in variable region genes expressed by a panel of (NZB x SWR)F(1) hybridomas representing a large, spontaneously arising clone with specificity for chromatin. A single mutation within the Jkappa intron that was shared by all members of the lineage indicated that the clone emanated from a single mutated precursor cell and led to the prediction that a somatic mutation producing a functionally decisive amino acid change in the coding region would also be universally shared. Upon cloning and sequencing the corresponding germline V(H) gene, we found that two replacement somatic mutations in FR1 and CDR2 were indeed shared by all seven clone members. Surprisingly, neither mutation influenced Ab binding to chromatin; however, one of them produced a nonconservative amino acid replacement in a mutationally "cold" region of FR1 and created an immunodominant epitope for class II MHC-restricted T cells. The epitope was restricted by IA(q) (SWR), and the SWR MHC locus is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in (NZB x SWR)F(1) mice. These, and related findings, provoke the hypothesis that autoreactive B cells may be recruited by a "receptor presentation" mechanism involving cognate interactions between T cells and somatically generated V region peptides that are self-presented by B cells.

Induction of anti-DNA antibody with DNA-peptide complexes

Spontaneous anti-DNA antibodies in autoimmune mice have the characteristics of antibodies produced by antigen-specific, clonally selective B cell stimulation. The nature of the somatically derived antibody variable region structures recurrent among spontaneous anti-DNA antibodies suggests that DNA or DNA-protein complexes may provide the antigenic stimulus for autoimmune anti-DNA antibody. Previously we have demonstrated that native mammalian DNA in complexes with an immunogenic DNA-binding peptide Fus1 from Trypanosoma cruzi can induce anti-DNA antibody in mice not genetically prone to autoimmune disease. The induced anti-DNA has similar specificity, structure and immunopathological function as autoimmune anti-DNA. The present experiments were designed to further characterize the immune response to DNA-peptide complexes. There was considerable variation in the antibody responses of mice from different strains to DNA-Fus1 immunizations. The range was from virtually no response in C57BL/6 mice to most robust responses in NZW mice. The full-length 52 amino acid carboxy-extension protein of ubiquitin (CEP) in T. cruzi (TCEP) protein from which Fus1 was derived functions equally well as an immunogenic carrier for DNA. Anti-DNA responses were generally weak even though anti-Fus1 and anti-TCEP responses were very strong. The results are discussed with respect to the contrasting roles of T cell help and peripheral B cell tolerance in controlling immune and autoimmune antibody responses to DNA.

Genetic control of glycoprotein 70 autoantigen production and its influence on immune complex levels and nephritis in murine lupus

The F1 hybrids of New Zealand Black (NZB) and New Zealand White (NZW) mice spontaneously develop an autoimmune disease that serves as a model for human systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmunity in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice includes the production of autoantibodies to the endogenous retroviral envelope glycoprotein, gp70, and gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes (gp70 IC) have been implicated in the development of lupus nephritis in these animals. We used backcross and intercross combinations of C57BL/6 (B6; low gp70 levels) and NZB mice (high gp70 levels) to examine the contribution of serum gp70 Ag levels to the development of gp70 IC and nephritis. Analysis of (B6.H2z x NZB)F1 x NZB backcross mice and (NZB x B6)F2 mice showed a much stronger association of gp70 IC with kidney disease compared with IgG anti-chromatin autoantibodies in both populations of mice. Serum levels of gp70 correlated with production of gp70 IC in mice producing autoantibodies, although the overall effect on nephritis appeared to be small. Genetic mapping revealed three NZB-derived regions on chromosomes 2, 4, and 13 that were strongly linked with increased gp70 levels, and together, accounted for over 80% of the variance for this trait. However, additional linkage analyses of these crosses showed that loci controlling autoantibody production rather than gp70 levels were most important in the development of nephritogenic immune complexes. Together, these studies characterize a set of lupus-susceptibility loci distinct from those that control autoantibody production and provide new insight into the components involved in the strong association of gp70 IC with murine lupus nephritis.

The pathogenesis of autoimmunity in New Zealand mice

OBJECTIVE

New Zealand mice were the first spontaneous animal model of human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since their initial discovery in 1959, studies of these mice have provided insights into the immunopathogenesis and genetics of lupus and have had a substantial impact on our understanding of autoimmunity.

METHODS

We extensively reviewed published data for the past 40 years, including work in cellular immunology and molecular biology, to provide new information on the role of lymphoid subpopulations, cytokines, costimulatory molecules, apoptosis, and genetic susceptibility in the natural history of immunopathology in murine lupus.

RESULTS

Genetic factors constitute the most important contribution to autoimmunity in New Zealand mice, and specific major susceptibility loci have been described. In addition, there is evidence for a pluripotent stem cell defect, which has implications for developmental and functional defects of T and B cells. The end result of these defects is a breakdown of self-tolerance and production of autoantibodies. Further studies will undoubtedly shape our understanding of this murine model and provide the basis for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in humans.

CONCLUSIONS

The advent of molecular biology, including the use of monoclonal antibody therapy in New Zealand mice, has been instrumental in our understanding of the loss of self-tolerance in SLE. Finally, identification of genetic susceptibility loci in the murine system has also led to important comparable studies in humans with SLE.

RELEVANCE

The observations in New Zealand mice are of particular importance to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Enhanced susceptibility to lupus contributed from the nonautoimmune C57BL/10, but not C57BL/6, genome

Genes from New Zealand Black and New Zealand White mice have been implicated in the development of a disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus. In an attempt to define the MHC class II genes involved in disease, we previously studied similarly designed backcrosses of New Zealand Black mice with C57BL/6 (B6) mice transgenic for Ez genes or with C57BL/10 (B10) mice transgenic for Az genes. Although the transgenes showed no effect on the development of autoantibody production or lupus nephritis in either backcross, surprisingly, there was greatly increased expression of these disease traits in the backcrosses involving B10 compared with B6 mice. These studies therefore implicated genetic contributions in B10 vs B6 backgrounds, despite their 98% identity. A genome-wide linkage analysis uncovered a B10 locus on mid-chromosome 13, which enhanced nephritis and was strongly linked with the production of pathogenic retroviral gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes when contributed by B10, but not B6, mice. The subsequent identification of a single marker polymorphic between B10 and B6, along with the extreme genetic similarity between the two strains in this region, is likely to permit expedited identification of the lupus-susceptibility gene from this nonautoimmune strain.

Anti-DNA autoantibodies and systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects most of the organs and tissues of the body, causing glomerulonephritis, arthritis, and cerebritis. SLE can be fatal with nephritis, in particular, predicting a poor outcome for patients. In this review, we highlight what has been learned about SLE from the study of mouse models, and pay particular attention to anti-DNA autoantibodies, both as pathological agents of lupus nephritis and as DNA-binding proteins. We summarize the current approaches used to treat SLE and discuss the targeting of anti-DNA autoantibodies as a new treatment for lupus nephritis.

Control of separate pathogenic autoantibody responses marks MHC gene contributions to murine lupus

Previous studies have suggested that MHC and non-MHC genes contribute to the development of autoimmune disease in F1 hybrids of New Zealand black (NZB) and white (NZW) mice. We conducted a genome-wide screen of 148 female (NZB x NZW)F1 x NZB backcross mice to map dominant NZW genetic loci linked with lupus disease traits. In this backcross analysis, inheritance of the NZW MHC (H2(d/z) vs. H2(d/d)) was strongly linked with the development of lupus nephritis (P approximately 1 x 10(-16)), increasing the risk of disease by over 30-fold. H2(d/z) was also linked with elevated serum levels of IgG autoantibodies to single-stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA, histones, and chromatin but not with anti-gp70 autoantibodies, measured as circulating gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes. Non-MHC contributions from NZW seemed weak in comparison to MHC, although NZW loci on chromosomes 7 and 16 were noted to be suggestively linked with autoantibody production. Strikingly, H2(d/z) (compared with H2(d/d)) enhanced antinuclear antibodies in a coordinate fashion but did not affect anti-gp70 production in the current backcross. However, the opposite influence was noted for H2(d/z) (compared with H2(z/z)) when (NZB x NZW)F1 x NZW backcross mice were analyzed. These results suggest that H2(z) and H2(d) haplotypes differentially regulate two different sets of nephritogenic autoantibody responses. This study confirms a critical role for H2(z) compared with other dominant NZW loci in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice and provides an explanation as to why H2(d/z) heterozygosity is required for full expression of disease in this model.

A Central Role for αβ T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Murine Lupus

We have previously shown that female transgenic mice expressing IFN-γ in the epidermis, under the control of the involucrin promoter, develop inflammatory skin disease and a form of murine lupus. To investigate the pathogenesis of this syndrome, we generated female IFN-γ transgenic mice congenitally deficient in either αβ or γδ T cells. TCRδ−/− transgenics continued to produce antinuclear autoantibodies and to develop severe kidney lesions. In contrast, TCRβ−/− IFN-γ transgenic mice failed to produce antinucleosome, anti-dsDNA, or antihistone autoantibodies, and kidney disease was abolished. Both αβ- and γδ-deficient transgenics continued to develop IFN-γ-associated skin disease, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. The data show that the autoantibody-mediated pathology of murine lupus in IFN-γ transgenic mice is completely αβ T cell dependent and that γδ T cells cannot drive autoantibody production. These results imply that production of antinuclear autoantibodies in IFN-γ transgenic animals is Ag driven, and we identified clusters of apoptotic cells in the epidermis of the mice as a possible source of self Ags. Our findings emphasize the relevance of this murine lupus model to the human disease.

A mutational analysis of the Abetaz/Aalphad major histocompatibility complex class II molecule that restricts autoreactive T cells in (NZBxNZW)F1 mice. The critical influence of alanine at position 69 in the Aalphad chain

Autoimmune symptoms of (NZBxNZW)F1 (H-2d/z) mice are reported to be critically related to the heterozygosity at the H-2 complex of the murine major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We previously showed that several Abetaz/Aalphad MHC class II molecule-restricted autoreactive T-cell clones from B/WF1 mice were pathogenic upon transfer to preautoimmune B/WF1 mice. In this study, to identify the crucial amino acid residues in Abetaz/Aalphad molecules for T-cell activation, we generated a panel of transfectant cell lines. These transfectant cell lines express the Abetaz/Aalphad MHC molecules with a mutation at each residue alpha11, alpha28, alpha57, alpha69, alpha70, alpha76 of Aalphad chain and beta86 of Abetaz chain. Replacing alpha69 alanine with threonine, valine or serine completely eliminated the ability to stimulate autoreactive T-cell clones without affecting the ability to present foreign antigen keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) or L-plastin peptide to specific T-cell clones. Replacing beta86 valine with aspartic acid resulted in a decrease in the stimulation for antigen-reactive as well as autoreactive T-cell clones. Substitutions at other residues had minimal or no effect on the stimulation of either auto- or antigen-reactive T-cell clones. These results suggest that alanine at residue 69 of the Aalphad chain is critical for the activation of autoreactive Abetaz/Aalphad-restricted T-cell clones. Possible explanations for this are discussed.

Analysis of MHC Class II Genes in the Susceptibility to Lupus in New Zealand Mice

Hybrids of New Zealand Black (NZB) and New Zealand White (NZW) mice spontaneously develop a disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematosus. MHC and non-MHC genes contribute to disease susceptibility in this murine model. Multiple studies have shown that the NZW H2z locus is strongly associated with the development of lupus-like disease in these mice. The susceptibility gene(s) within H2z is not known, but different lines of evidence have pointed to class II MHC genes, either H2-E or H2-A (Ez or Az in NZW). Recent studies from our laboratory showed that Ez does not supplant H2z in the contribution to lupus-like disease. In the present work we generated C57BL/10 (B10) mice transgenic for Aaz and Abz genes (designated B10.Az mice) and used a (B10.Az × NZB)F1 × NZB backcross to assess the contributions of Az genes to disease. A subset of backcross mice produced high levels of IgG autoantibodies and developed severe nephritis. However, no autoimmune phenotype was linked to the Az transgenes. Surprisingly, in the same backcross mice, inheritance of H2b from the nonautoimmune B10 strain was strongly linked with both autoantibody production and nephritis. Taken together with our previous Ez studies, the present work calls into question the importance of class II MHC genes for lupus susceptibility in this model and provides new insight into the role of MHC in lupus-like autoimmunity.

Linkage of a major quantitative trait locus to Yaa gene-induced lupus-like nephritis in (NZW x C57BL/6)F1 mice

In the present study, we mapped the major quantitative trait loci (QTL) differing between the NZW and C57BL/6 inbred strains of mice by making use of (NZW x C57BL/6.Yaa)F1 mice, a model in which the lupus-like autoimmune syndrome observed in male mice is associated with the presence of an as yet unidentified Y chromosome-linked autoimmune acceleration gene, Yaa. Linkage analysis of 126 C57BL/6 x (NZW x C57BL/6.Yaa)F1 backcross males provided evidence for a major QTL on chromosome 7 controlling both the severity of glomerulonephritis and the production of IgG anti-DNA autoantibody and retroviral gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes. Two additional QTL of C57BL/6 origin on chromosome 17 had no apparent individual effects, but showed strong epistatic interaction with chromosome 7 QTL for disease severity and anti-DNA autoantibody production. Our data also identified on chromosome 13 a QTL of NZW origin with a major effect on the level of gp70, and showing an additive effect with the chromosome 7 QTL on the level of gp70 immune complexes. Our study thus provides a model to dissect the complex genetic interactions that result in manifestations of murine lupus-like disease.

Peptide-binding motifs of the mixed haplotype Abetaz/Aalphad major histocompatibility complex class II molecule: a restriction element for auto-reactive T cells in (NZBxNZW)F1 mice

We previously showed that the mixed haplotype Abetaz/Aalphad major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules function as restricting element for autoreactive T-cell clones derived from autoimmune prone (NZBxNZW)F1 (B/WF1) mice. Subsequent analysis revealed that some of these Abetaz/Aalphad-restricted autoreactive T-cell clones were pathogenic upon transfer to pre-autoimmune B/WF1 mice. In this paper, we analysed the peptide-binding motif of Abetaz/Aalphad class II molecules. Amino acid-sequencing analysis of peptides eluted from purified Abetaz/Aalphad molecules revealed several sequences, including one that corresponds to murine l-plastin 588-601. Synthetic 18-mer l-plastin 588-605 peptide (SMARKIGARVYALPEDLV, as described by the amino acid single letter code) was demonstrated to bind to Abetaz/Aalphad MHC class II molecules on transfectant B lymphoma cells (TAbetaz). A competitive binding inhibition assay using truncation peptides revealed the core sequence for binding resides in 591Arg to 601Pro. Binding inhibition assay using substitution peptides, each having substitution to the other 19 residues at positions from 590Ala to 601Pro, revealed four major anchor sites 592Lys (p1), 594Gly (p3), 595Ala (p4), 597Val (p6) and one minor anchor site 600Leu (p9). Positively charged residues are not allowed at p3 and negatively charged residues are not allowed at p4 and p6. Relatively large hydrophobic residues (Leu, Ile) are not tolerated at p3 and p4. Met and Trp are not tolerated at p6. Based on these findings, the characteristics of peptides recognized by autoreactive T cells in B/WF1 mice are discussed.

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.

Biochemical and Functional Analyses of Chromatin Changes at the TCR-β Gene Locus During CD4−CD8− to CD4+CD8+ Thymocyte Differentiation

Allelic exclusion is the process wherein lymphocytes express Ag receptors from only one of two possible alleles, and is effected through a feedback inhibition of further rearrangement of the second allele. The feedback signal is thought to cause chromatin changes that block accessibility of the second allele to the recombinase. To identify the putative chromatin changes associated with allelic exclusion, we assayed for DNase I hypersensitivity, DNA methylation, and transcription in 100 kb of the TCR-β locus. Contrary to current models, we identified chromatin changes indicative of an active and accessible locus associated with the occurrence of allelic exclusion. Of 11 DNase I hypersensitive sites identified, 3 were induced during CD4−CD8− to CD4+CD8+ thymocyte differentiation, and demethylation and increased germline transcription of the locus were evident. We further examined the role of the most prominently induced site near the TCR-β enhancer (Eβ) in allelic exclusion by targeted mutagenesis. Two other sites were also examined in New Zealand White (NZW) mice that have a natural deletion in the TCR-β locus. TCR-β gene recombination and allelic exclusion were normal in both mutant mice, negating dominant roles for the three hypersensitive sites in the control of allelic exclusion. The data suggest that alternative cis-regulatory elements, perhaps contained in the Eβ enhancer and/or in the upstream Vβ region, are involved in the control of TCR-β allelic exclusion.

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.

Antinuclear autoantibodies and lupus nephritis in transgenic mice expressing interferon gamma in the epidermis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a potentially fatal non-organ-specific autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women. Features of the disease include inflammatory skin lesions and widespread organ damage caused by deposition of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. The mechanism and site of production of these autoantibodies is unknown, but there is evidence that interferon (IFN) gamma plays a key role. We have used the involucrin promoter to overexpress IFN-gamma in the suprabasal layers of transgenic mouse epidermis. There was no evidence of organ-specific autoimmunity, but transgenic animals produced autoantibodies against dsDNA and histones. Autoantibody levels in female mice were significantly higher than in male transgenic mice. Furthermore, there was IgG deposition in the glomeruli of all female mice and histological evidence of severe proliferative glomerulonephritis in a proportion of these animals. Our findings are consistent with a central role for the skin immune system, acting under the influence of IFN-gamma, in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Analysis of Vbeta4 T cell receptor CDR3 repertoire in BALB/c and (NZB x NZW)F1 mice

To examine the unique TCR repertoire in auto-immune-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 (B/WF1) mice, we analysed the Vbeta4 CDR3 region of TCRbeta chain in spleens of young (1 month old) and aged (6 month old) BALB/c and B/WF1 mice. Total RNA from spleens was used for cDNA synthesis and TCRVbeta4 PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Young B/WF1 mice showed high frequency (38.5%) of anionic amino acid residues at position beta100 in TCRVbeta4 chain compared to that (19.0%) in young BALB/c mice. Aged BALB/c mice and B/WF1 mice showed increase of frequency (38.1 and 51.9%, respectively) of anionic residues at beta100. These results indicate that Vbeta4-T cells that have anionic residues at beta100 in CDR3 region of TCRbeta chain increase with age in normal mice. Auto-immune prone mice show high frequency of anionic residues at beta100 in TCRVbeta4 chain even at the age of 1 month. These T cells may interact with cationic self-antigen(s) and might contribute to the onset and/or the progression of systemic autoimmunity in concert with other genetic elements in B/WF1 mice.

Induction of experimental antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in PL/J mice following immunization with beta 2 GPI

PROBLEM

Immunization with beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2 GPI) induces antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in normal mice and rabbits. Recently we reported early onset of autoimmunity in MRL/(+2) mice following immunization with beta 2 GPI. There is a close association between aPL with thrombosis, recurrent fetal loss, and intrauterine growth retardation. In this study we evaluated the effect of beta 2 GPI-induced aPL on pregnancy outcomes in an inbred strain of mice (PL/J).

METHOD

Three groups of seven-week female PL/J mice (12 per group) were studied. Group A was immunized with beta 2 GPI and group B with ovalbumin; group C was not not immunized. After two booster injections, the mice were tested for aPL, anti-DNA by ELISA, and for ANA by indirect immunofluorescence. Platelet count and pregnancy outcomes were studied at the age of 14 weeks.

RESULTS

The aPL and anti-DNA levels were higher at 12 and 14 weeks in group A; the optical densities (OD) were 1.72 +/- 0.6 and 0.699 +/- 0.25 for group A, 0.09 +/- 0.040 and 0.230 +/- 0.47 for group B, and 0.0435 +/- 0.003 and 0.119 +/- 0.26 for group C (comparing group A with groups B and C combined, P < 0.001). ANA titers rose in groups A and B by age, but they were significantly higher at 14 weeks in group A. The mean titers were 1/286, 1/90, and 1/16 for A, B, and C, respectively (P < 0.001). The platelet counts were not significantly different among the three groups. The titer size was significantly smaller in group A, as evidenced by the numbers of viable fetuses among the mice that became pregnant in each group: 0.75, 2.45, and 5.5 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Seven pregnant mice in group A had complete resorption, seven pregnant mice in group B showed focal (partial) resorption areas, by only one mouse in group C had complete resorption of the embryos, as shown by histopathological studies, although the fecundity rate was similar in the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest a pathogenic role for beta 2 GPI-induced aPL in the development of experimental models of APS in PL/J mice.

Effect of genetic background on the contribution of New Zealand black loci to autoimmune lupus nephritis

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus are complex genetic traits with contributions from major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and multiple unknown non-MHC genes. Studies of animal models of lupus have provided important insight into the immunopathogenesis of disease, and genetic analyses of these models overcome certain obstacles encountered when studying human patients. Genome-wide scans of different genetic crosses have been used to map several disease-linked loci in New Zealand hybrid mice. Although some consensus exists among studies mapping the New Zealand Black (NZB) and New Zealand White (NZW) loci that contribute to lupus-like disease, considerable variability is also apparent. A variable in these studies is the genetic background of the non-autoimmune strain, which could influence genetic contributions from the affected strain. A direct examination of this question was undertaken in the present study by mapping NZB nephritis-linked loci in backcrosses involving different non-autoimmune backgrounds. In a backcross with MHC-congenic C57BL/6J mice, H2z appeared to be the strongest genetic determinant of severe lupus nephritis, whereas in a backcross with congenic BALB/cJ mice, H2z showed no influence on disease expression. NZB loci on chromosomes 1, 4, 11, and 14 appeared to segregate with disease in the BALB/cJ cross, but only the influence of the chromosome 1 locus spanned both crosses and showed linkage with disease when all mice were considered. Thus, the results indicate that contributions from disease-susceptibility loci, including MHC, may vary markedly depending on the non-autoimmune strain used in a backcross analysis. These studies provide insight into variables that affect genetic heterogeneity and add an important dimension of complexity for linkage analyses of human autoimmune disease.

Genetic basis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Recent studies have emphasized that systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex genetic trait with contributions from the MHC and multiple non-MHC genes. Genome-wide linkage studies in murine models of lupus have mapped the positions of a number of non-MHC loci, but the contributing genes have not yet been identified. Recent studies in human systemic lupus erythematosus have found an association with a particular FCGR2A allele. Although susceptibility genes in lupus are unlikely to involve mutations with severe functional consequences, murine knockout models that develop lupus-like features may provide insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms and contributing genes in the human disease.

Genetic linkage of IgG autoantibody production in relation to lupus nephritis in New Zealand hybrid mice

F1 hybrids of New Zealand black (NZB) and New Zealand white (NZW) mice are a model of human systemic lupus erythematosus. These mice develop a severe immune com-plex-mediated nephritis, in which antinuclear autoantibodies are believed to play the major role. We used a genetic analysis of (NZB x NZW)F1 x NZW backcross mice to provide insight into whether different autoantibodies are subject to separate genetic influences and to determine which autoantibodies are most important in the development of lupus-like nephritis. The results showed one set of loci that coordinately regulated serum levels of IgG antibodies to double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, total histones, and chromatin, which overlapped with loci that were linked to the production of autoantibodies to the viral glycoprotein, gp70. Loci linked with anti-gp70 compared with antinuclear antibodies demonstrated the strongest linkage with renal disease, suggesting that autoantibodies to gp70 are the major pathogenic antibodies in this model of lupus nephritis. Interestingly, a distal chromosome 4 locus, Nba1, was linked with nephritis but not with any of the autoantibodies measured, suggesting that it contributes to renal disease at a checkpoint distal to autoantibody production.

Intrinsic B cell defects in NZB and NZW mice contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice

We have previously shown that long-term in vitro proliferating fetal liver pre-B cell lines derived from autoimmune-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 (BW) mice, but not normal (B6 x DBA2)F1 mice, can differentiate in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice to produce elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG, and high titers of antinuclear antibodies The contribution of parental NZB and NZW strains to B cell abnormalities of BW hybrid mice was investigated here by preparing pre-B cells and transferring them into immunodeficient SCID- and RAG-2-targeted mice. We show that transfer of NZB pre-B cells led to a marked IgM hypergammaglobulinemia and to the production of limited amounts of IgG2a. On the other hand, the transfer of NZW pre-B cell lines led to moderately elevated IgM levels and marked hypergammaglobulinemia of IgG2a. High IgM and low IgG anti-DNA titers are found in the recipients of NZB pre-B cells, whereas those receiving NZW pre-B cells contained lower levels of IgM and high titers of IgG anti-DNA. In marked contrast, essentially identical titers of antibodies directed against a non-self-antigen, DNP, are found in all group of pre-B cell recipients. Thus, B-lineage cells of both NZB and NZW parental strains manifest abnormalities associated with the development of this lupus-like disease. Therefore, the present study strongly suggests a complex inheritance of B cell abnormalities in autoimmune-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 mice and emphasizes the critical importance of intrinsic B cell defects in the development of murine systemic lupus erythematosus.

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

The expression of a transgene encoding the I-E alpha chain prevents a lupus-like autoimmune syndrome in BXSB mice. However, it had not been elucidated whether the E alpha d transgene-mediated protective effect results from I-E expression or from the generation of I-E alpha chain-derived peptides (E alpha peptide) displaying high affinity for the I-Ab molecule. To address this question, two different BXSB lines expressing the transgene at low or high levels were crossed with lupus-prone MRL mice; this resulted in three types of (MRL x BXSB)F1 mice, differing in the expression levels of I-E molecules and of E alpha peptides presented by I-Ab molecules. Comparative analysis of these three (MRL x BXSB)F1 mice as well as several BXSB transgenic lines showed that the E alpha d transgene-mediated protection paralleled the expression levels of E alpha peptide presented by I-Ab molecules, but not of I-E molecules on B cells. In addition, use of transgenic and nontransgenic double bone marrow chimeras showed a selective activation of nontransgenic B cells during I-Ab-restricted T cell-dependent immune responses, while both transgenic and nontransgenic B cells were comparably activated during T cell-independent responses. These results favor a model of autoimmunity prevention based on competition for antigen presentation, in which excessive generation of E alpha peptides prevents, because of their high affinity to the I-A molecules, activation of potential autoreactive T and B cells.