Tolerance induction to self-MHC antigens in fetal and neonatal mouse B cells.

We have studied the mechanisms of tolerance induction to self-MHC antigens in mouse B cells during fetal development and the post-natal period. To monitor the fate of autoreactive B cell clones, we used the 3-83 micro delta B cell receptor (BCR)-transgenic (Tg) and -knock-in (KI) mouse models. These BCR-Tg and -KI B cells recognize the MHC class I molecules H-2K(k) and H-2K(b), with a high or moderate affinity, respectively.

Affinity-dependent alterations of mouse B cell development by noninherited maternal antigen.

We have examined the passage of maternal cells into the fetus during the gestation and postpartum in mice. Using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-transgenic females, we showed that maternal cells frequently gain access to the fetus, mostly in syngeneic pregnancies, but also in allogeneic and outbred crosses. EGFP-transgenic cells, including B, T, and natural killer cells, can persist until adulthood, primarily in bone marrow and thymus.