Gld and Lpr Mice: Single Gene Mutant Models for Failed Self Tolerance

Abstract

Mice homozygous for the gld or lpr mutations develop autoimmunity, and a lymphoproliferative disorder involving accumulation of huge numbers of unusual CD4⁻CD8⁻TCRαβ^1o T cells. Here we review our past work with gld mice, and attempt to explain lymphoproliferation in terms of current models of T cell maturation and self-tolerance induction. The availability of molecular probes to the gene products of lpr and gld should shortly lead to a better understanding of the acquisition of self tolerance during T cell maturation and of autoimmunity.

Key Words:

• gld mice
• lymphoproliferation