Modulation of T cell function by alpha-fetoprotein: An in vivo study on procine thyroid peroxidase-induced experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in transgenic mice producing human alpha-fetoprotein

Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis was induced in transgenic mice (TG-3) p roducing human cl-fetoprotein (AFP) and in control mice by immunization of porcine thyroid peroxidase (TPO). Development of thyroiditis accompanied wi th mononuclear cell infiltration was observed in 6 out of 8 treated control mice. In contrast, the development was significantly suppressed in TG-3 mi ce and mild histologic change was observed in only 1 out of 8 TG-3 mice (p < 0.05). Serum anti-TPO antibody titers gradually increased in TG-3 mice as well as in control mice and there were no significant differences. In vitr o phytohemagglutinin response of splenocytes from TG-3 mice was lower than that from control mice. Significantly reduced numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ sple nocytes, total thymocytes, and CD4+ thymocytes were found in the nontreated TG-3 mice as compared with those in control mice. These results suggest th at ubiquitously produced AFP modulates in vivo T cell development and/or T cell-dependent immune responses.