Regulatory T cell deficient scurfy mice develop systemic autoimmune features resembling lupus-like disease

Scurfy mice are deficient for regulatory T cells (Treg), develop a severe, generalized autoimmune disorder which can affect almost every organ and die at an early age. Some of these manifestations resemble those found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, active SLE is associated with low Treg numbers and reduced Treg function, but direct evidence for a central role of Treg malfunction in the pathophysiology of lupus-like manifestations is still missing. We herein characterize the multi-organ pathology, autoantibody profile and blood count abnormalities in scurfy mice and show cl... Mehr ...