Inhibition of antibodies to nuclear antigen and to DNA in New Zealand mice infected with lactate dehydrogenase virus.

New Zealand mice developed antibodies to nuclear antigen leading to immune-complex nephritis. Humoral antibody was directed primarily against denatured DNA, although antibody to native DNA was also found. Persistent infection with lactate dehydrogenase virus significantly lowered antibodies both to nuclear antigen and to DNA in these mice. In addition, female (NZB x W)F(1) mice infected with lactate dehydrogenase virus were protected from the usual nephritic death occurring after the trapping of complexes of nuclear antigen and its antibody and of DNA and its antibody in the glomerular filter.