The basis of autoimmunity in MRL-lpr/lpr mice: a role for self Ia-reactive T cells.

Murine models of systemic lupus eRythematosus (SLE) have significantly contributed to our understanding of human autoimmunity. One such strain, the MRL-lpr/lpr, spontaneously develops an autoimmune disease manifested clinically by arthritis, vasculitis, immune-complex glomerulonephritis and autoantibody production(1-3). In this article Yvonne Rosenberg and her colleagues suggest a theoretical basis for the development of autoimmunity in MRL-lpr/lpr mice.