Effect of altered lymphocyte function on immunologic disorders in nzb/nzw mice

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Abstract
NZB/NZW F1 female mice were treated with the immunosuppressive enzyme L-asparaginase (Asnase) for up to 32 weeks. Asnase diminished circulating anti-DNA and antinuclear antibodies, diminished deposition of γ-globulins in kidneys, significantly delayed the onset of proteinuria, and reduced deaths from nephritis. These effects were associated with reduction of cellular IgM antibody synthesis to both T-dependent and T-independent antigens, but the graft-versus-host reaction was not affected. After several weeks of therapy, antibodies against Asnase appeared in the circulation, the effect on antibody synthesis was lost, ANA and anti-DNA appeared, followed by proteinuria and deaths from nephritis. Therefore Asnase proved to be an effective therapy in NZB/NZW mice, but its usefulness was limited by the appearance of inactivating antibodies.