Age-associated clonal B cells drive B cell lymphoma in mice.

Although cancer is an age-related disease, how the processes of aging contribute to cancer progression is not well understood. In this study, we uncovered how mouse B cell lymphoma develops as a consequence of a naturally aged system. We show here that this malignancy is associated with an age-associated clonal B cell (ACBC) population that likely originates from age-associated B cells.

Adaptation of TCR repertoires to self-peptides in regulatory and nonregulatory CD4+ T cells.

Currently, it is not understood how the specificity of the TCR guides CD4(+) T cells into the conventional lineage (Tconv) vs directing them to become regulatory (Treg) cells defined by the Foxp3 transcription factor. To address this question, we made use of the "Limited" (LTD) mouse, which has a restricted TCR repertoire with a fixed TCRbeta chain and a TCRalpha chain minilocus. The TCR repertoires of Tconv and Treg cells were equally broad, were distinct, yet overlapped significantly, representing a less strict partition than previously seen between CD4 and CD8 T cells.

Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide transgenic mice exhibit features of the anemia of inflammation.

The anemia of inflammation is an acquired disorder affecting patients with a variety of medical conditions, and it is characterized by changes in iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. Mounting evidence suggests that hepcidin antimicrobial peptide plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of the anemia of inflammation. To evaluate which features of this anemia can be attributed to hepcidin, we have generated mice carrying a tetracycline-regulated hepcidin transgene.

Susceptible MHC alleles, not background genes, select an autoimmune T cell reactivity.

To detect and characterize autoreactive T cells in diabetes-prone NOD mice, we have developed a multimeric MHC reagent with high affinity for the BDC-2.5 T cell receptor, which is reactive against a pancreatic autoantigen. A distinct population of T cells is detected in NOD mice that recognizes the same MHC/peptide target.