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  • Title: Thymic influences on autoimmunity in MRL-lpr mice.
    Author: Wofsy D, Ledbetter JA, Roubinian JR, Seaman WE, Talal N.
    Journal: Scand J Immunol; 1982 Jul; 16(1):51-8. PubMed ID: 6981841.
    Abstract:
    We have examined the role of the thymus in the development of autoimmunity in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL-lpr) mice. MRL-lpr mice develop a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by features of systemic lupus erythematosus and by massive proliferation of a subpopulation of Lyt-1+23- T cells. Using fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies and the fluorescence-activated cell sorter, we have found an abnormal pattern of differentiation within the MRL-lpr thymus characterized by a loss of Lyt-123+ thymocytes and an increased frequency of Lyt-1+23- thymocytes. Neonatal thymectomy retarded lymphoproliferation, reduced autoantibody concentrations, improved renal function, and prolonged life. Furthermore, neonatal thymectomy resulted in a relatively specific elimination of the subset of T cells involved in the lymphoproliferative process. These findings suggest that thymic maturation of T cells with alloantigenic characteristics of a helper subpopulation may contribute to the marked lymphoproliferation and severe autoimmunity of MRL-lpr mice. Neonatal thymectomy may protect against autoimmunity by preventing the maturation of this helper subpopulation.
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