A signal adaptor SLAM-associated protein regulates spontaneous autoimmunity and Fas-dependent lymphoproliferation in MRL-Faslpr lupus mice.

Autoantibody production and lymphadenopathy are common features of systemic autoimmune disease. Targeted or spontaneous mutations in the mouse germline have generated many autoimmune models with these features. Importantly, the models have provided evidence for the gene function in prevention of autoimmunity, suggesting an indispensable role for the gene in normal immune response and homeostasis.