Different modes of pathogenesis in T-cell-dependent autoimmunity: clues from two TCR transgenic systems

Immunol Rev. 1999 Jun:169:139-46. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.1999.tb01312.x.

Abstract

T lymphocytes constantly flirt with reactivity to self peptides, a price they pay for their ability to recognize foreign peptides presented by self-MHC molecules, and autoreactivity in the T compartment occasionally gives rise to autoimmune disease. Pathology from T-cell autoimmunity can manifest itself through radically different strategies, as we have observed recently in two transgenic models. In the BDC2.5 diabetes model, T cells express a transgene-encoded T-cell receptor (TCR) with reactivity against a pancreatic antigen. This leads to a massive, if often controlled, infiltration of the pancreatic islets. Target cell destruction then results from the local consequences of this local immune/inflammatory process. On the other hand, the arthritic manifestations of the KRN transgenic model are indirect: the transgenic TCR confers a broad autoreactivity, through which T cells stimulate B cells to produce arthritogenic immunoglobulins. These molecules are then sufficient to produce the disease, even in the complete absence of any lymphocytes. Although important questions subsist in this model--how the KRN T cells interfere with B-cell tolerance, what the target of arthritogenic IgG is--its implication is that an isolated T-cell dysregulation may manifest itself through an Ig-mediated disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis / etiology
  • Arthritis / genetics
  • Arthritis / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmunity
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / etiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell