Mouse model for autoimmune disorders

摘要

A non-human mammalian model of an autoimmune disorder co-expresses a major histocompatibility (MHC) class II-restricted T cell receptor (TCR) and a selected peptide that binds to the TCR. The selected peptide is selectively expressed by MHC class II positive antigen presenting cells (APC) of the mammal. Models with high penetrance of disease are those in which the selected peptide is a MHC class II-restricted T cell determinant that specifically binds with high affinity to the TCR. Models with low penetrance of disease are those in which the selected peptide binds with low affinity to the TCR. These models, which may be transgenic mammals, are used in method for identifying diagnostic and therapeutic markers and targets characteristic of an autoimmune disorder.