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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
DNA Vaccination With Hsp70 Protects Against Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in (NZB × NZW)F1 Mice
Aijing Liu1, Concetta Ferretti1, Fu-Dong Shi2
1University of California, Los Angeles.
Objective:
To address whether a targeted modulation of the abnormal expression of Hsp70 and autoantibodies against this molecule in systemic lupus erythematosus can influence disease.
Methods:
Lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mice that had been DNA-vaccinated with plasmids encoding Hsp70 and controls were monitored for lupus disease parameters including anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) autoantibodies and cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and for kidney function and pathology. The phenotypic and numerical changes in relevant immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell function was assessed.
Results:
Mice that had been DNA-vaccinated with Hsp70 displayed marked suppression of anti-dsDNA antibody production, reduced renal disease, and antiinflammatory responses that are associated with a significantly extended survival, compared to controls. These protective effects in Hsp70-vaccinated mice were associated with an induction of tolerogenic immune responses and an expansion of functional Treg cells.
Conclusion:
DNA vaccination with Hsp70 suppresses murine lupus by inducing tolerogenic immune responses and antiinflammatory immune responses associated with reduced disease manifestations and increased mouse survival.
