Graft versus host reaction induced by administration of parental cells: Effect on the autoimmune process of NZB NZW F₁ mice

Injection of 6-week-old New Zealand (NZB × NZW F₁) female mice with parental NZB or NZW spleen cells leads to acceleration of production of antibodies to both single-stranded DNA and thymocytes and to premature reduction in responsiveness to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and mitogens. Paradoxically, however, NZB × NZW F₁ mice injected with parental cells manifest a significantly reduced level of antibodies to native DNA, reduced proteinuria, and prolonged survival. Moreover, New Zealand mice with chronic graft versus host disease develop splenomegaly and significantly elevated serum immunoglobulin concentrations, but no major propensity to develop excessive lymphomas. Finally, the parental splenic cell type responsible for these features is a thy 1.2 bearing radiation-sensitive cell population. The "immunologic storm" produced by injection of parental cells modifies the expression of autoimmunity such that earlier but less pathogenic autoantibodies are produced.