Page 1202 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

encountered in some dog breeds more commonly than in others.
VetBooks.ir Old English Sheepdogs are unusually prone to develop

autoimmune blood diseases. Certain autoimmune diseases, such as
polyarteritis nodosa and hypothyroidism, have familial

associations. Many dogs, especially those from rare breeds with
small populations, have restricted MHC polymorphism that can
increase autoimmune disease susceptibility. In dogs, there are
several recognized associations between autoimmunity and MHC

alleles. Diabetes mellitus is associated with DLA-A3, -A7, -A10, and
-B4; antinuclear antibody production is associated with DLA-12;
SLE is associated with DLA-A7; and autoimmune polyarthritis is
associated with certain C4 alleles. Possession of an allele of DLA-79

(DLA-79*001:02) is associated with multiple immune-mediated
diseases (hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, polyarthritis, and
atopic dermatitis).
Inbred lines of other animals have been produced that are

associated with spontaneous development of autoimmune disease.
For example, inbred NZB mice spontaneously develop a syndrome
that bears a striking resemblance to SLE (Chapter 38). These mice
develop immune complex glomerulonephritis. They become

hypergammaglobulinemic and hypocomplementemic, and they
develop an autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Some also develop
lymphoid tumors. NZB mice produce autoantibodies against
nuclear antigens, red blood cells, and T cells, and their B cells are

polyclonally activated. New Zealand White (NZW) mice are
phenotypically normal, but the F1 cross between NZW and NZB
mice has an even more severe SLE-like syndrome. In these animals,
kidney disease is severe and is associated with high titers of

antibodies to nucleic acids. Studies on the inheritance of these traits
in mice suggest that they are controlled by a small number of
unlinked major genes and a large number of minor genes.

Intestinal Microbiota

It is now well accepted that the intestinal microbiota both
contribute to local host defenses and modulate systemic immune
responses. Nutrients and microbial components are continually
released into the body where they influence immune cell function.

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