Mice lacking the orphan G protein-coupled receptor G2A develop a late-onset autoimmune syndrome

Immunity. 2001 May;14(5):561-71. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(01)00145-5.

Abstract

Mice with a targeted disruption of the gene encoding a lymphoid-expressed orphan G protein-coupled receptor, G2A, demonstrate a normal pattern of T and B lineage differentiation through young adulthood. As G2A-deficient animals age, they develop secondary lymphoid organ enlargement associated with abnormal expansion of both T and B lymphocytes. Older G2A-deficient mice (>1 year) develop a slowly progressive wasting syndrome, characterized by lymphocytic infiltration into various tissues, glomerular immune complex deposition, and anti-nuclear autoantibodies. G2A-deficient T cells are hyperresponsive to TCR stimulation, exhibiting enhanced proliferation and a lower threshold for activation. Our findings demonstrate that G2A plays a critical role in controlling peripheral lymphocyte homeostasis and that its ablation results in the development of a novel, late-onset autoimmune syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmunity / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / immunology*
  • Cell Division
  • Female
  • GTP-Binding Proteins*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • G2A receptor
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • GTP-Binding Proteins