Fig. 7
From: MiR-574-5p activates human TLR8 to promote autoimmune signaling and lupus
Transgenic overexpression of miR-574-5p stimulates the secretion of antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-dsDNA and increases the renal deposit of complement C3 and IgG. Mice carrying a Dox-inducible human MIR574 transgene and its controls were prepared as described. Transgene expression was induced by providing mice with drinking water containing 2 mg/ml Dox starting from the age of 8–10 wk. (a) Stimulated secretion of serum ANA in the transgenic mice following 6-wk Dox-induction but not in the un-induced. The indirect immunofluorescence ANA tests were performed with 1:5 diluted serum samples from the transgenic mice or its controls using the HEp2 slides and FITC-tagged antibodies as instructed. Scale bar, 25 μm. Results were representative of at least three mice per group (**, P < 0.01). (b) Increased serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibody in the transgenic mice following 6-wk Dox-induction but not in the un-induced. ELISA assays were performed as described.(c) Enhanced renal deposit of complement C3 and IgG in the transgenic mice following 10-wk of Dox-induction but not in the un-induced. Renal tissues were prepared and stained with fluorescent antibodies against C3 and IgG. Results were representative of at least three mice per group