Paclitaxel reduces anti-dsDNA antibody titer and BUN, prolonging survival in murine lupus
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Updated: Oct 13, 2026
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, South Korea.
Abstract:
We evaluated the effect of paclitaxel on the severity of autoimmunity in the murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), NZB x NZW F1 mice. Fifteen 20 week old (NZB x NZW) F1 female mice were given a dose of 10 mg/kg paclitaxel by the intraperitoneal route on three alternate days followed by 7.5 mg/kg on three additional alternate days. This pattern of treatment was repeated every 4 weeks for a period of 28 weeks. 20 control mice were injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of the vehicle used. Serum anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody titers and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly diminished in the paclitaxel treated group compared to the vehicle treated group. While the onset of proteinuria appeared to be delayed in the experimental group, the difference was not significant. Survival rate improved significantly in paclitaxel treated group (p = 0.04 by log-rank test). These results suggest that paclitaxel is beneficial in the suppression of autoimmunity in this strain of mice by reducing the anti-dsDNA antibody titer and the BUN, prolonging survival.
Insights
Paclitaxel treatment reduced autoimmune disease severity in lupus-prone mice. This immunotherapy lowered anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody levels and improved survival rates in the NZB x NZW F1 model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune system attacking healthy tissues.
- NZB x NZW F1 mice serve as a valuable genetic model for studying SLE pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of paclitaxel in modulating autoimmune responses in a murine model of SLE.
- To assess the impact of paclitaxel on key serological markers and clinical outcomes associated with lupus.
Main Methods:
- NZB x NZW F1 female mice were administered paclitaxel intraperitoneally over a 28-week period.
- Control groups received an equal volume of vehicle injection.
- Serum anti-dsDNA antibody titers, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, proteinuria, and survival rates were monitored.
Main Results:
- Paclitaxel treatment led to a significant reduction in serum anti-dsDNA antibody titers and BUN levels compared to controls.
- A trend towards delayed onset of proteinuria was observed in the paclitaxel-treated group, though not statistically significant.
- Survival rates were significantly improved in mice receiving paclitaxel (p = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- Paclitaxel demonstrates a beneficial effect in suppressing autoimmunity in the NZB x NZW F1 mouse model of SLE.
- The therapeutic benefits are attributed to the reduction in anti-dsDNA antibodies and BUN, leading to enhanced survival.
- Paclitaxel holds potential as an immunomodulatory agent for managing SLE.
