Successful treatment of autoimmunity in mrl/1 mice with ls‐2616, a new immunomodulator

Abstract Autoimmune MRL/1 mice were treated with a recently developed substance with immunomodulating properties, LS‐2616. Treatment was initiated at the age of 8 weeks, before the onset of clinically apparent disease, and at 16 weeks of age, after development of established lupus disease. Beneficial therapeutic effects were obtained, even when LS‐2616 was administered at the lowest dose tested (1 mg/mouse/week) to 16‐week‐old mice. The effects of LS‐2616 on longevity, as well as on development of lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, glomerulonephritis, and vasculitis, were pronounced and were comparable with those of cyclophosphamide. The results obtained suggest a potential role for LS‐2616 in the treatment of autoimmune disease in humans.