Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was induced by treating mice (at balanced gender ratio) with pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane; Sigma-Aldrich) as described.(22 (link)) In brief, the animals received a single intraperitoneal pristane injection (0.5ml each) and were monitored by regular weight control and urine as well as blood sampling. The experiment was terminated after 4 months.