Resistance to experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in IL-6-deficient mice is associated with reduced germinal center formation and C3 production

DENG C., GOLUSZKO E., Tuzun E., YANG H., CHRISTADOSS P.

JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, vol.169, no.2, pp.1077-1083, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 169 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Doi Number: 10.4049/jimmunol.169.2.1077
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1077-1083
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

To provide direct genetic evidence for a role of IL-6 in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), IL-6 gene KO (IL-6(-/-)) mice in the C57BL/6 background were immunized with Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and evaluated for EAMG. Only 25% of AChR-immunized IL-6(-/-) mice developed clinical EAMG compared to 83% of C57BL/6 (wildtype) mice. A significant reduction in the secondary anti-AChR Ab of IgG, IgG(2b), and IgG(2c), but not the primary or secondary IgM response was observed in AChR-immunized IL-6(-/-) mice, suggesting a possible defect in T cell help and class switching to anti-AChR IgG, isotype. The AChR-specific lymphocyte proliferative response, IFN-gamma, and IL-10 production were suppressed in AChR-immunized IL-6(-/-) mice. EAMG resistance in IL-6(-/-) mice was associated with a significant reduction in germinal center formation and decreased serum complement C3 levels. The data provide the first direct genetic evidence for a key role of IL-6 in the autoimmune response to AChR and in EAMG pathogenesis.