Role of TLR7 and IFNAR1 in lacrimal gland autoimmunity in NOD mice

NOD mice spontaneously develop lacrimal gland inflammation. NOD mice that lack TLR7 or that lack IFNAR1 are protected from developing lacrimal gland inflammation. RNA sequencing studies were performed to compare gene expression profiles in lacrimal glands from wild-type (WT) vs Tlr7 knockout or Ifnar1 knockout nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice to determine disease-relevant gene and pathway profiles upregulated in WT lacrimal glands in either a TLR7- or IFNAR1-dependent manner. RNA-seq was performed using RNA isolated from lacrimal glands of male NOD mice including wild-type, Tlr7 knockout, and Ifnar1 knockout strains.