Increased maternofoetal transfer of antibodies in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus, but no immune activation and neuroimmune sequelae in offspring

Maternally transferred autoantibodies can negatively impact the development and health of offspring, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. We used embryo transfers to examine maternofoetal immune imprinting in the autoimmune BXSB/MpJ mouse model. Anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and total im-munoglobulins were measured, using allotypes of the IgG subclass to distinguish maternally transferred anti-bodies from those produced endogenously. Frequencies of germinal center and plasma cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Microglial morphology in offspring CNS was assessed using immunohistochemistry. In contrast to prior findings, our results indicate that BXSB/MpJ mothers display a mild autoimmune phenotype, which does not significantly impact the offspring.

Automated summary

Maternally transferred autoantibodies can negatively impact the development and health of offspring, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, our findings suggest that in the BXSB/MpJ mouse model, mothers display a mild autoimmune phenotype that does not significantly impact the offspring.