Treatment of end stage MRL-1pr/lpr mouse lupus disease by a cyclophosphazene derived drug and by cyclosporin A.

MRL-lpr/lpr mice develop T cell lymphadenopathy, polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes, autoantibodies and lupus nephritis. B and T cell populations, the dysfunctions of which play a role in the pathophysiology of the mouse disease, represent potential targets for lupus treatment. MRL-lpr/lpr mice are treated from the age of 19 weeks, i.e. after the onset of renal disease and lymphoproliferation, with Cyclosporin A which acts at the T cell level, or with DIAM4 which can down modulate polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes. DIAM4 induces the disappearance of the lymphoproliferation, the increase in C3 levels and the decrease in anti-DNA antibody, immunoglobulin and urea levels, and proteinuria. Cyclosporin A reduces lymph node hyperplasia, but has no effect on other parameters of the disease.