Context-Dependent miR-21 Regulation of TLR7-Mediated Autoimmune and Foreign Antigen-Driven Antibody-Forming Cell and Germinal Center Responses.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in healthy B cell responses and the loss of tolerance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), although the role of many miRNAs remains poorly understood. Dampening miR-21 activity was previously shown to reduce splenomegaly and blood urea nitrogen levels in SLE-prone mice, but the detailed cellular responses and mechanism of action remains unexplored. In this study, using the TLR7 agonist, imiquimod-induced SLE model, we observed that loss of miR-21 in Sle1b mice prevented the formation of plasma cells and autoantibody-producing Ab-forming cells (AFCs) without a significant effect on the magnitude of the germinal center (GC) response. We further observed reduced dendritic cell and monocyte numbers in the spleens of miR-21-deficient Sle1b mice th

SUBMITTER: Schell SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8617059 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature