B cell-intrinsic TLR7 signaling is essential for the development of spontaneous germinal centers.

ABSTRACT: Spontaneous germinal center (Spt-GC) B cells and follicular helper T cells generate high-affinity autoantibodies that are involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. TLRs play a pivotal role in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Although previous studies focused on the B cell-intrinsic role of TLR-MyD88 signaling on immune activation, autoantibody repertoire, and systemic inflammation, the mechanisms by which TLRs control the formation of Spt-GCs remain unclear. Using nonautoimmune C57BL/6 (B6) mice deficient in MyD88, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, or TLR9, we identified B cell-intrinsic TLR7 signaling as a prerequisite to Spt-GC formation without the confounding effects of autoimmune susceptibility genes and the overexpression of TLRs. TLR7 deficiency also rendered auto

SUBMITTER: Soni C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4201954 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature