Systemic autoimmunity in LG/J mice

Humoral and end-organ parameters of autoimmunity were investigated in LG/J mice, which have traditionally been considered normal, non-diseased animals. Surprisingly, LG/J mice were found to possess autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor, and to develop renal disease, including glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and perivasculitis, but not hepatic or cutaneous disease. In contrast, age-matched, identically-housed control animals failed to develop autoantibodies or end-organ disease. These findings have complications for the genetic study of lupus erythematosus in the MRL murine model, which derives heavily from the LG/J background. Thus, the LG/J strain may provide a useful model in the analysis of autoimmunity.