Reference SummaryBatten M, J Immunol 2004 Jan 15;172(2):812-22

Title

 TNF deficiency fails to protect BAFF transgenic mice against autoimmunity and reveals a predisposition to B cell lymphoma.

Authors

 Batten M; Fletcher C; Ng LG; Groom J; Wheway J; Laabi Y; Xin X; Schneider P; Tschopp J; Mackay CR; Mackay F

Journal

 J Immunol

Volume

 172

Issue

 2

Year

 2004

Pages

 812-22

Abstract

 TNF is well characterized as a mediator of inflammatory responses. TNF also facilitates organization of secondary lymphoid organs, particularly B cell follicles and germinal centers, a hallmark of T-dependent Ab responses. TNF also mediates defense against tumors. We examined the role of TNF in the development of inflammatory autoimmune disorders resembling systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome induced by excess B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF), by generating BAFF-transgenic (Tg) mice lacking TNF. TNF(-/-) BAFF-Tg mice resembled TNF(-/-) mice, in that they lacked B cell follicles, follicular dendritic cells, and germinal centers, and have impaired responses to T-dependent Ags. Nevertheless, TNF(-/-) BAFF-Tg mice developed autoimmune disorders similar to that of BAFF-Tg mice. Disease in TNF(-/-) BAFF-Tg mice correlates with the expansion of transitional type 2 and marginal zone B cell populations and enhanced T-independent immune responses. TNF deficiency in BAFF-Tg mice also led to a surprisingly high incidence of B cell lymphomas (>35%), which most likely resulted from the combined effects of BAFF promotion of neoplastic B cell survival, coupled with lack of protective antitumor defense by TNF. Thus, TNF appears to be dispensable for BAFF-mediated autoimmune disorders and may, in fact, counter any proneoplastic effects of high levels of BAFF in diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Links

 J:87359 – MGI References
14707051 – National Library of Medicine/PubMed

Strain Notes

Strain Note
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma A (C57BL/6 x DBA/2J)F1 offspring containing the Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma transgene was backcrossed to C57BL/6 for 10+ generations then crossed to B6-Tnftm1Jods to produce homozygous TNF-/- Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma-/- mice.

Models
Strain Model Name Treatment Agent(s) Organ Affected Frequency Model Details
C57BL/6 Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymphoid tissue

0
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymphoid tissue

0
B6.B6D2F1-Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymph node - Cervical

2.94
B6.B6D2F1-Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymphoid tissue

0.03
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymphoid tissue

38.1
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymph node - Cervical

19.05
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymph node - Mesenteric

15.87
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymph node - Axillary

1.59
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymph node - Inguinal

observed
C57BL/6-Tnftm1Jods Tg(Tnfsf13b)1Fma Lymphoid tissue lymphoma Lymph node - Submandibular

observed