| First Author | Qian Y | Year | 2004 |
| Journal | J Immunol | Volume | 172 |
| Issue | 1 | Pages | 625-35 |
| PubMed ID | 14688375 | Mgi Jnum | J:133749 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3784104 | Doi | 10.4049/jimmunol.172.1.625 |
| Citation | Qian Y, et al. (2004) Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells induces the activation of autoreactive anti-Sm marginal zone and B-1 B cells. J Immunol 172(1):625-35 |
| abstractText | Since apoptotic cell Ags are thought to be a source of self-Ag in systemic lupus erythematosus, we have examined the role of apoptotic cells in the regulation and activation of B cells specific for Sm, a ribonucleoprotein targeted in human and murine lupus. Using Ig-transgenic mice that have a high frequency of anti-Sm B cells, we find that apoptotic cell injection induces a transient splenic B cell response, while simultaneously causing extensive splenic and peritoneal anti-Sm B cell death. In contrast, mice deficient in the clearance of apoptotic cells develop a chronic anti-Sm response beginning at 1-2 mo of age. These mice have expanded marginal zone and B-1 B cell populations and anti-Sm B cells of both types are activated to form Ab-secreting cells. This activation appears to be Ag-specific, suggesting that activation is due to increased availability of apoptotic cell Ags. Since marginal zone and B-1 cells are positively selected, these data suggest a loss of ignorance rather than a loss of tolerance. |
