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Induction of autoimmunity with dendritic cells: studies on thyroiditis in mice
S C Knight1, J Farrant, J Chan
1Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Professional antigen-presenting cells, like dendritic cells (DC), can initiate and maintain thyroid autoimmunity. Studies show DC pulsed with thyroglobulin (Tg) can induce thyroiditis and autoantibodies in mice, highlighting their role in autoimmune disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid autoimmunity involves immune responses against thyroglobulin (Tg).
- Professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DCs), play a crucial role in initiating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in the initiation and maintenance of thyroid autoimmunity.
- To assess the impact of Tg-pulsed DCs on thyroiditis and autoantibody induction.
Main Methods:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) were purified from mouse spleens and pulsed with varying concentrations of mouse thyroglobulin (Tg) in vitro.
- These DCs were injected intravenously into syngeneic mice.
- Thyroiditis and IgG antibodies to Tg were assessed in recipient mice.
Main Results:
- Normal DCs without Tg induced mild thyroiditis and low levels of anti-Tg antibodies in some mice.
- DCs pulsed with high-dose Tg induced thyroid infiltration but not increased autoantibody levels.
- DCs from mice with experimental allergic thyroiditis (EAT) induced significant thyroiditis and autoantibody production in recipients.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) can initiate and maintain thyroid autoimmunity.
- DCs may promote thyroid autoimmunity by stimulating antigen-specific T cells.
- The study suggests DCs are key players in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease.