Vimentin immunization induces TH2/TH17 cell activation and autoantibody production in a novel mouse model of bleomycin induced systemic sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and lung tissues. Currently available drugs delay SSc progression but do not reverse the sclerotic lesions or cure the disease. Studies of its pathogenesis have been hindered by the lack of an appropriate animal model, as the widely used mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma does not reproduce the immune cell activation seen in humans.

Methods

Here we describe an improved mouse model of SSc, achieved by combining BLM administration with immunization against the structural protein vimentin, injected in homogenized form with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA).

Results

An examination of the immune cell modifications and pathological changes in skin

SUBMITTER: Lee CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634585 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature