Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of immune regulation, overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and attack on normal tissues (heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and the nervous system) by self-reactive cells and antibodies.

Pristane, also known as hydrocarbon oil (2,6,10,14- tetramethylpentadecane, TMPD), is capable of triggering a wide range of autoantibodies. Mice receive pristane develop an ascitic fluid enriched with monoclonal antibodies, local chronic inflammation (lipogranulomas), and a rheumatoid-like erosive arthritis. These clinical manifestations resemble SLE.