Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
12
pubmed:dateCreated
2007-11-16
pubmed:abstractText
The tight-skin (TSK/+) mouse, a genetic model for systemic sclerosis (SSc), develops cutaneous fibrosis and autoimmunity. Although immunological abnormalities have been demonstrated in TSK/+ mice, the roles of B-cell-activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), a potent B-cell survival factor, have not been investigated. Serum BAFF levels in TSK/+ mice were examined by ELISA. Newborn TSK/+ mice were treated with BAFF antagonist, and then skin fibrosis of 8-week-old mice was assessed. Serum BAFF levels were significantly elevated in TSK/+ mice. Remarkably, BAFF antagonist inhibited the development of skin fibrosis, hyper-gamma-globulinemia, and the autoantibody production in TSK/+ mice. The skin from TSK/+ mice showed upregulated expressions of fibrogenic cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-10, while BAFF antagonist significantly suppressed them. Reciprocally, BAFF antagonist augmented antifibrogenic cytokines, such as IFN-gamma, in the skin of TSK/+ mice. Furthermore, TSK/+ B cells with BAFF stimulation had a significantly enhanced ability to produce IL-6. The results suggest that BAFF/BAFF receptor system is critical for the development of skin fibrosis in TSK/+ mice and could be a potent therapeutical target.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
1523-1747
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
127
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
2772-80
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2007
pubmed:articleTitle
BAFF antagonist attenuates the development of skin fibrosis in tight-skin mice.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't