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

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.