DNAse treatment does not improve the survival of lupus prone (NZB x NZW)F1 mice.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of deoxyribonuclease I (DNAse) therapy in the (NZB x NZW)F1 murine model of lupus.


METHODS
Lupus-prone female (NZB x NZW)F1 mice were treated daily with 0-15 microg/g of recombinant DNAse for 1-6 months. Parameters including anti-DNA autoantibody production, activation of cytokine secreting cells, kidney function and longevity were monitored.


RESULTS
DNAse treatment selectively reduced the number of B cells secreting anti-dsDNA antibodies for approximately one month. However, neither short-term nor long-term treatment altered cytokine production, delayed the onset or reduced the severity of glomerulonephritis, or prolonged survival.


CONCLUSIONS
DNAse treatment initiated before, during, or after the onset of murine lupus did not improve clinical outcome.
Verthelyi
D
D
Retroviral Immunology Section, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Dybdal
N
N
Elias
K A
KA
Klinman
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D051379:Mice; D008814:Mice, Inbred NZB
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases