Transgenic mice producing major histocompatibility complex class II molecules on thyroid cells do not develop apparent autoimmune thyroid diseases

Abstract

The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on thyrocytes has been demonstrated in autoimmune thyroid diseases. However, the role of this aberrant MHC class II in disease development is controversial. In particular, it remains unknown whether MHC class II expression on thyrocytes, which are nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells, plays a-role in inducing autoimmune processes. To clarify this issue, we have produced transgenic mice harboring an MHC class II gene ligated to the promoter of the rat TSH receptor. We obtained three lines of transgenic mice, and the expression of MHC class II by the thyrocytes was demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Our examination revealed no obvious abnormalities in thyroid histology or in thyroid autoantibody production in these transgenic mice. Although serum-free T4 levels were slightly lower than those of their nontransgenic littermates, no transgenic mouse suffered from clinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, thyroid lymphocytic infiltration was absent, and MHC class II-expressing thyrocytes obtained from transgenic mice failed to stimulate the proliferation of autologous T cells in vitro. Taken together, these results show that transgenic mice with MHC class II molecules on their thyrocytes do not develop apparent autoimmune thyroid diseases, suggesting that aberrant MHC class II expression alone is not sufficient to induce thyroid autoimmunity.