Transfer of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis with T cell clones

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Autoimmunity
• Thyroid Research

Background:

• T lymphocyte clones were isolated from CBA/CaJ mice immunized with mouse thyroid extract (MTE).
• Characterization of T cell clones involved in autoimmune responses is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ability of specific T lymphocyte clones to induce experimental thyroiditis.
• To analyze the characteristics of thyroid lesions and T cell helper functions associated with thyroiditis induction.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of T lymphocyte clones (L3T4+, Ig-, Lyt2-).
• Transfer of T cell clones to irradiated syngeneic mice to assess thyroiditis induction.
• In vitro assessment of T cell helper activity using B cell proliferation assays.
• Histological examination of thyroid tissues post-transfer.

Main Results:

• Clones A7 and B7 transferred transient thyroiditis to irradiated mice, characterized by mononuclear and/or polymorphonuclear cell infiltration.
• Clone B7 exhibited T cell helper activity for B cells when stimulated with trinitrophenyl-mouse thyroglobulin (MTG).
• Clone A7 induced mononuclear cell infiltration without significant helper activity, while clone D2 proliferated to MTG but did not transfer thyroiditis.

Conclusions:

• Specific T lymphocyte clones can transfer experimental autoimmune thyroiditis to susceptible hosts.
• The ability to induce thyroiditis and T cell helper functions are distinct properties of T cell clones.
• Loss of Thy marker on clone B7 did not affect its ability to transfer thyroiditis, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms in autoimmune responses.