Effects of FTY720 on BXSB lupus‐prone mice: a preliminary study

Abstract

Aim:To examine the effects of a novel immunosuppressant, FTY720, on BXSB lupus-prone mice, and to investigate its immune regulatory pathway by using a cDNA microarray. Methods:Male BXSB mice received oral administration of 10 mg/kg FTY720 twice a week from age 9 weeks. Levels of antinuclear antibodies in serum and histopathology of the kidney were evaluated. The gene expression profile of splenic lymphocyte was analysed by cDNA microarray.Results: FTY720 suppressed the production of antinuclear antibodies (P < 0.05) and reduced the deposition of IgG in glomeruli, compared to control animals. The microarray determined 247 differential expressed genes, which contained a cluster of genes related to lymphocyte trafficking and cytoskeletal remodeling. Conclusion:Our preliminary data suggests FTY720 has some immune suppressive effect on BXSB mice. The mechanism may be due to accelerate lymphocyte homing and redistribution which differs from traditional cytotoxic agents. Its clinical implication deserves further study.