Deletion of IL-18 expression ameliorates spontaneous kidney failure in MRLlpr Mice

Abstract

The role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus is still not definitively solved. In this study, we generated MRLlpr mice, which develop a disease resembling systemiclupus erythematosus, genetically devoid of IL-18 expression. These mice in comparison to IL-18-competent MRLlpr mice show reduced signs of renal pathogenesis, while otherparameters such as mean survival time, lymphadenopathy, constitutive interferon-γ production, and frequency of CD3+B220+ abnormal T cells were without differences. We concludethat in the systemic lupus erythematosus syndrom IL-18 is involved specifically in the renal pathogenesis.