Requirements for flare reactions of joint inflammation induced in mice by cloned MT4+, Lyt-2- T cells

Abstract

Joint inflammation was induced in C57B1/6 mice by injection of cloned MT4+, Lyt-2- T cells specific for the antigen methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA), together with mBSA. In this model, after waning of the inflammation, flare reactions can be induced by a rechallenge with the specific antigen. Herein we show that such flare reactions can still be induced several weeks after waning of the joint inflammation, as was demonstrated both in normal C57B1/6 mice and in athymic C57B1 nude mice. The results in the latter group indicate that T cells of the recipient mice are not necessary for the elicitation of flare reactions. On histologic examination, the inflammatory infiltrates in the knee joints of the nude mice appeared to be mainly granulocytic. The cloned T cells persisted and remained functionally reactive in the knee joint for at least 2 weeks in the absence of the antigen, and thus, in the absence of inflammation. In view of the similarities between induced joint inflammation in mice and rheumatoid arthritis in humans, these data may be relevant to our understanding of the processes involved in the latter disease.