Effect of altered lymphocyte function on immunologic disorders in NZB/NZW mice.

NZB/NZW F1 female mice were treated with the immunosuppresive enzyme L-asparaginar antibodies, diminished deposition of gamma-globulins in kidneys, significantly delayed the onset of proteinuria, and reduced deaths from nephritis. These effects were associated with reduction of cellular IgM antibody synthesis to both T-dependent and T-independent antigens, but the graft-versus-host reaction was not affected. After several weeks of therapy, antibodies against Asnase appeared in the circulation, the effect on antibody synthesis was lost, ANA and anti-DNA appeared, followed by proteinuria and deaths from nephritis. Therefore Asnase proved to be an effective therapy in NZB/NZW mice, but its usefulness was limited by the appearance of inactivating antibodies.