Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the histopathologic, serologic, lymphocytic,
virological, hormonal, and genetic characteristics of murine models of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying murine SLE are highly
complex, apparently well-programmed genetically, but still diverse and their bases not as yet
well defined. Significant serologic and cellular experimental data support the statement that
the final immunopathologic perturbation in murine (and human) SLE is a B lymphocyte …