Induction of SLE-like disease in naive mice with a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody derived from a patient with polymyositis carrying the 16 6 ID

The role of a pathogenic anti-DNA idiotype ( 16 6 Id) is presented. An SLE-like disease was induced in naive BALB c mice by immunization with a human IgM monoclonal anti-DNA antibody which was derived from a patient with polymyositis (SA₁). The antibody carries the 16 6 Id and binds to DNA. A parallel human IgM monoclonal antibody derived from the same patient while in remission (SA₂), served as a control. The SLE in the mice was characterized by serological markers, including high serum titers of anti-DNA, anti-Sm RNP, anti-Ro and La, and anti-histone antibodies. In addition, high levels of murine anti- 16 6 and 16 6 Id antibodies were demonstrated. The clinical findings entailed increased erythrocyte sedimentation rates, leukopenia and proteinuria. These findings support our previous studies on the importance of the 16 6 Id as a pathogenic idiotype in SLE.