Collagen epitope expression on B cells is sufficient to confer tolerance to collagen-induced arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mechanisms underlying tolerance induction and maintenance in autoimmune arthritis remain elusive. In a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis, we explore the contribution of B cells to antigen-specific tolerance.

Methods

To generate expression of the CII-peptide specifically on B-cell major histocompatibility complex type II, lentiviral-based gene therapy including a B-cell-specific Igk promoter was used.

Results

Presentation of the CII-peptide on B cells significantly reduced the frequency and severity of arthritis as well as the serum levels of CII -specific IgG antibodies. Further, both frequency and suppressive function of regulatory T cells were increased in tolerized mice. Adoptive transfer of regulatory T ce

SUBMITTER: Andersson SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4908726 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature