Modulation of nuclear factor-κB activity can influence the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), result from deficiencies in self-antigen tolerance processes, which require regulated dendritic cell (DC) function. In this study we evaluated the phenotype of DCs during the onset of SLE in a mouse model, in which deletion of the inhibitory receptor FcβRIIb leads to the production of anti-nuclear antibodies and glomerulonephritis. Splenic DCs from FcβRIIb-deficient mice suffering from SLE showed increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules. Furthermore, diseased mice showed an altered function of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor, which is involved in DC maturation. Compared with healthy animals, expression of the inhibitory molecule IκB-α was significantly decreased in mice suffering from SLE. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB activity in FcβRIIb-deficient mice led to reduced susceptibility to SLE and prevented symptoms, such as anti-nuclear antibodies and kidney damage. Our data suggest that the occurrence of SLE is significantly influenced by alterations of NF-κB function, which can be considered as a new therapeutic target for this disease.