The combined effect of BCL-2 over-expression and E2F2 deficiency induces an autoimmune syndrome in non-susceptible mouse strain C57BL/6

Multiple evidences support the notion that cell-cycle deregulation or apoptosis alterations can lead to autoimmune syndrome (AIS). Inactivation of the cell-cycle regulator E2F2 or over-expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein induces spontaneously an AIS in certain mouse strains. In the present study, we have examined the contribution of the genetic background on the development of autoimmunity after E2F2 gene inactivation, and the effect that a simultaneous inactivation of the E2F2 gene and over-expression of the Bcl-2 gene in B cells has on lymphoid homeostasis and autoimmunity. We show that E2F2