Does the deletion within T cell receptor β‐chain gene of NZW mice contribute to autoimmunity in (NZB × NZW)F1mice?

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Abstract
To determine the transacting genetic factors of NZW contributing to the development of autoimmune disease in (NZB ± NZW)F1 (B/WF1) mice, we examined the relationship between the T cell receptor β chain gene deletion and the severity of autoimmune manifestations in 76 B/WF1 ± NZB backcross mice. Very high association between the T cell receptor β chain gene deletion and the development of autoimmune manifestations including the production of IgG anti‐DNA antibodies and circulating retroviral gp70 immune complexes was observed, indicating that a defect in the NZW T cell receptor β chain gene or a locus closely linked to it contributes to the autoantibody formation in B/WF1.