Amphibole, but not chrysotile, asbestos induces anti-nuclear autoantibodies and IL-17 in C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract Exposure to amphibole asbestos has been associated with production of autoantibodies in mice and humans, and increases the risk of systemic autoimmune disease. However, epidemiological studies of chrysotile exposure have not indicated a similar induction of autoimmune responses. To demonstrate this difference in controlled exposures in mice, and to explore possible mechanistic explanations for the difference, C57BL/6 mice were exposed intratracheally to amphibole or chrysotile asbestos, or to saline only.