Mast cells: a cellular link between autoantibodies and inflammatory arthritis

DM Lee, DS Friend, MF Gurish, C Benoist, D Mathis… - Science, 2002 - science.org
DM Lee, DS Friend, MF Gurish, C Benoist, D Mathis, MB Brenner
Science, 2002science.org
Previous studies have revealed that autoantibodies, complement components, and Fc
receptors each participate in the pathogenesis of erosive arthritis in K/BxN mice. However, it
is not known which cellular populations are responsive to these inflammatory signals. We
find that two strains of mice deficient in mast cells, W/Wv and Sl/Sld, were resistant to
development of joint inflammation and that susceptibility was restored in the W/Wv strain by
mast cell engraftment. Thus, mast cells may function as a cellular link between …
Previous studies have revealed that autoantibodies, complement components, and Fc receptors each participate in the pathogenesis of erosive arthritis in K/BxN mice. However, it is not known which cellular populations are responsive to these inflammatory signals. We find that two strains of mice deficient in mast cells, W/Wv and Sl/Sld, were resistant to development of joint inflammation and that susceptibility was restored in the W/Wv strain by mast cell engraftment. Thus, mast cells may function as a cellular link between autoantibodies, soluble mediators, and other effector populations in inflammatory arthritis.
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