Induction of experimental systemic lupus erythematosus in mice by immunization with a monoclonal anti-La autoantibody.

Experimental systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in mice can be induced by immunization either with a human monoclonal anti-DNA antibody bearing the 16/6 idiotype (16/6 Id) or with a mouse monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody specific for the 16/6 Id. In the present report we investigated the pathogenic role of a monoclonal anti-La autoantibody in the induction and mediation of experimental SLE in mice. The monoclonal anti-La antibody was derived from a mouse in which experimental SLE was induced by immunization with the monoclonal anti-16/6 Id antibody. Following immunization with the anti-La antibody the mice produced antibodies to double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, Sm, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, and ribonucleoprotein. Furthermore, even though the anti-La antibody does not express nor react with the 16/6 Id, the immunized mice produced high titers of anti-16/6 Id antibodies as well as 16/6 Id bearing antibodies. Four months following immunization the mice exhibited significant proteinuria, and kidney sections revealed immune complex deposits on the basement membrane of the glomeruli. These results suggest that anti-La autoantibodies are involved in the induction and mediation of SLE in mice.