Tight-skin mouse autoantibody repertoire: Analysis of V sub(H) and V sub(K) gene usage

In the previous studies we have shown that tight-skin (TSK) mouse is an experimental model for systemic sclerosis. This mutant mouse develops autoantibodies specific for scleroderma target antigens. To determine whether the expansion of autoantibody repertoire in TSK mouse occurs by selective expansion of certain variable region gene families, and whether CD5 super(+) B cells contribute significantly to the production of autoantibodies, we have analyzed a panel of 60 hybridomas producing autoantibodies specific for scleroderma target autoantigens. The findings suggest that the expansion of peripheral autoreactive B cells in TSK mouse is determined by their immunoglobulin variable region rather than the genetic properties linked to a particular B cell subset.