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There are now several murine models of autoimmune cholangitis that have features both similar and distinct from human PBC. One such model, the NOD.c3c4 mouse, manifests portal cell infiltrates, anti-mitochondrial antibodies but also biliary cysts. The biliary cysts are not a component of PBC and not found in the other murine models. To address the immunopathology in these mice, we generated genetically B cell deficient Igμ(-/-) NOD.c3c4 mice and compared the immunopathology of these animals to control B cell sufficient NOD.c3c4 mice. B cell deficient mice demonstrated decreased number of non-B cells in the liver accompanied by reduced numbers of activated natural killer cells. The degree of granuloma formation and bile duct damage were comparable to NOD.c3c4 mice. In contrast, liver inflammation, biliary cyst formation and salivary gland inflammation was significantly attenuated in these B cell deficient mice. In conclusion, B cells play a critical role in promoting liver inflammation and also contribute to cyst formation as well as salivary gland pathology in autoimmune NOD.c3c4 mice, illustrating a critical role of B cells in modulating specific organ pathology and, in particular, in exacerbating both the biliary disease and the sialadenitis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.cellimm.2011.01.005

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cellular Immunology

Publication Date

28/01/2011

Volume

268

Pages

16 - 23

Addresses

Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.

Keywords

Liver, B-Lymphocytes, Animals, Mice, Inbred NOD, Humans, Mice, Cysts, Cholangitis, Sialadenitis, Autoimmune Diseases, Disease Models, Animal, Inflammation