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Syngeneic thyroglobulin is immunogenic in good responder mice
European Journal of Immunology
|February 1, 1981
Summary
This study shows that repeated high doses of mouse thyroglobulin (MTg) can stimulate autoimmune responses in mice, even without adjuvants. Good responder mice developed anti-MTg antibodies and thyroid inflammation, indicating T and B cell activation against self-antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Self-tolerance mechanisms normally prevent autoimmune responses.
- Understanding how these mechanisms can be overcome is crucial for autoimmune disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for inducing autoimmune responses against mouse thyroglobulin (MTg) in mice.
- To explore the role of T and B cell populations in responding to self-antigens.
Main Methods:
- Repeated administration of MTg or thyroid extract (TE) to good responder (C3H/Anf) and poor responder (BALB/c) mice without adjuvant.
- Measurement of anti-MTg antibody titers.
- Specificity testing of antibodies.
- Histological examination of thyroid tissues.
Main Results:
- Good responder mice, particularly those receiving high doses of MTg/TE, produced significant anti-MTg antibody titers.
- Antibodies were specific for MTg, cross-reacting with rat and other species' Tg to varying degrees.
- Thyroid histology revealed mononuclear cell infiltration in good responder mice, but not in poor responders.
Conclusions:
- Repeated high-dose antigen administration, even without adjuvant, can override self-tolerance.
- Both T and B cell populations are reactive to MTg, a self-antigen.
- This study demonstrates a method to stimulate autoimmune responses against a self-antigen in vivo.