| Summary: | Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multi-organ autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antibodies against self nuclear antigens. Genetics play a dominant role in disease pathogenesis and functional examination of spontaneously-arising lupus-prone animal models has provided key insights into understanding the genetic complexity of the disease. The overarching goal of the work presented here is to identify the underlying immunologic abnormalities, together with lupus susceptibility loci that produce them, that promote the development of autoimmunity in the lupus-prone New Zealand Black (NZB) background. Chapter 2 identifies the critical role of CD40-CD40L interactions in the pathogenesis of disease in NZB mice. We showed that this interaction is required for the production of class-switched IgG autoantibodies and development of hemolytic anemia and kidney disease. Polyclonal B cell activation, expansion of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), and elevated gene expression of baff were maintained in CD40L-deficient NZB mice, despite the lack of IgG immune complexes. Chapter 3 utilizes bicongenic mice carrying both NZB chromosomes 1 and 13 to investigate the genetic complexity in disease pathogenesis. In addition to identifying new phenotypes, examination of bicongenic mice showed that chronic stimulation of pDC due to the persistence of nuclear antigens leads to a refractory state with a failure to produce more IFN-α upon subsequent stimulation. Chapter 4 identifies a novel lupus susceptibility locus on NZB chromosome 13 associated with impaired clearance of apoptotic debris, a key initiating step in the development of autoimmunity. Using subcongenic mice, this locus was localized and examined its impact on immune function. Work from this thesis will contribute to understanding the complex immunogenetic mechanisms that lead to development of SLE.
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