Induction of experimental systemic lupus erythematosus in mice by immunization with the F(ab')2 fragment of the human anti-DNA monoclonal antibody carrying the 16/6 idiotype.

Induction of an experimental disease resembling murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has been achieved in mice by immunization with a human monoclonal anti-DNA antibody, bearing a common idiotype, designated 16/6 Id. In the present study we report the preparation of F(ab')2 proteolytic fragments of the human 16/6 Id mAb and the ability of the latter to induce experimental-SLE in mice. Following immunization with the F(ab')2 fragment, mice developed antibodies bearing the 16/6 Id, anti-16/6 Id and a variety of autoantibodies, similar to mice immunized with the whole 16/6 Id molecule. Serological manifestations of the disease such as leukopenia, proteinuria and renal damage, were developed following the immunization with the 16/6 Id F(ab')2 proteolytic fragments. These results demonstrate the pathogenic role of the F(ab')2 fragment that bears the 16/6 Id.