MRL-lpr/lpr Mice Exhibit a Defect in Maintaining Developmental Arrest and Follicular Exclusion of Anti–double-stranded DNA B Cells

A hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus and the MRL murine model for lupus is the presence of anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA antibodies (Abs). To identify the steps leading to the production of these Abs in autoimmune mice, we have compared the phenotype and localization of anti-dsDNA B cells in autoimmune (MRL+/+ and lpr/lpr) mice with that in nonautoimmune (BALB/c) mice. Anti-dsDNA B cells are actively regulated in BALB/c mice as indicated by their developmental arrest and accumulation at the T-B interface of the splenic follicle. In the MRL genetic background, anti-dsDNA B cells are no longer developmentally arrested, suggesting an intrinsic B cell defect conferred by MRL background genes. With intact Fas, they continue to exhibit follicular exclusion; however, in the presence of the lpr/lpr mutation, anti-dsDNA B cells are now present in the follicle. Coincident with the altered localization of anti-dsDNA B cells is a follicular infiltration of CD4 T cells. Together, these data suggest that MRL mice are defective in maintaining the developmental arrest of autoreactive B cells and indicate a role for Fas in restricting entry into the follicle.