Differing MHC class I requirements for induction and propagation of experimental systemic lupus erythematosus

Mice deficient in beta 2-microglobulin expression are resistant to the indu ction of experimental systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present studi es were designed to identify the beta 2-microglobulin-dependent cell surfac e molecule(s) that confers sensitivity to experimental SLE, and to determin e its role in disease development. We report hat mice lacking the transport er associated with antigen presentation (TAP(-/-))were also resistant to di sease, whereas CD1(-/-) and CD8(-/-) mice were susceptible; susceptibility also did not correlate with neonatal Fc receptor or HEPH expression. These data indicate that disease susceptibility is determined by expression of MH C class I. Furthermore, by analyzing both adoptive transfer and radiation b one marrow chimeras, we demonstrate that MHC class I expression is necessar y for propagation of disease, but not for induction of pathogenic cells.