Role of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor in coxsackie virus-induced autoimmune myocarditis.

We have previously reported that B10.A (H-2a) mice, which are resistant to the induction of postcoxsackievirus autoimmune myocarditis, become susceptible upon treatment with LPS, IL-1, or TNF. In this study, we show that the development of autoimmune myocarditis is associated with infiltration of the heart by inflammatory cells that secrete the cytokines IL-1 and TNF. Local secretion of these cytokines contributes to increased levels of IL-1 and TNF in the serum. Thus, local production of cytokines promotes the induction of this postinfectious autoimmune disease.