Reduction of Serum Interferon (IFN)-γ Concentration and Lupus Development in NZBxNZWF1Mice by Lactic Dehydrogenase Virus Infection

Abstract The complexity of cytokine regulation and the imbalance of helper T (Th)1 and Th2 subsets in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) animal models and human SLE are well recognized. In this study in NZBxNZWF 1 mice, the effects of lactic dehydrogenase virus (LDV) infection on the production of interferon (IFN)-γ in the serum and the development of autoimmune disease were examined. The progress of the disease (the development of glomerulonephritis, formation of glomerular IgG and C3 deposits, increase in the blood urea nitrogen values, and mortality) was parallel with an increase in serum IFN-γ in uninfected NZBxNZWF 1 mice. These changes were inhibited in LDV-infected NZBxNZWF 1 mice. Our findings suggest that increase in serum IFN-γ may be associated with the active disease in NZBxNZWF 1 mice.