Immunoglobulin binding to brain in autoimmune mice
1Department of Microbiology and the Molecular and Cell Biology Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-2701, USA.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|November 6, 2001
Summary
Brain-reactive autoantibodies (BRAA) were significantly increased in the brains of autoimmune mice. This finding links BRAA to central nervous system dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Brain-reactive autoantibodies (BRAA) are implicated in central nervous system (CNS) complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Previous research has confirmed the presence of BRAA in human and murine SLE models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize the presence of autoantibody binding within the brain of autoimmune-prone mice.
- To investigate the correlation between autoantibody levels and CNS alterations in SLE.
Main Methods:
- Laser confocal microscopy was utilized to detect immunoglobulin (Ig) deposition in frozen brain sections.
- Autoimmune mice (MRL/lpr, BXSB) were compared against control strains (MRL/mp, C57BL/6).
- Serum autoantibody titers, including BRAA and anti-DNA, were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- A marked increase in Ig fluorescence was observed in the brains of MRL/lpr and BXSB mice at 4 months of age.
- Control mice showed minimal to no detectable Ig in brain tissue.
- Elevated brain Ig levels correlated with increased serum titers of BRAA and anti-DNA autoantibodies.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates significant autoantibody binding to the brain in autoimmune mouse models.
- The findings provide a direct link between brain-reactive autoantibodies and potential CNS dysfunction in SLE.
- Further research into BRAA mechanisms is warranted for understanding and treating SLE-related neurological symptoms.
