Consistent with the MMP12-dependent differences in lymph node size apparent by day 90 in the female mice, CFA synchronization further expanded the differential increase in lymphadenopathy manifest in the Mmp12–/– MRL/lpr females (n = 18, N = 2) over that seen for the female Mmp12+/+ MRL/lpr mice (n = 38, N = 2) (Fig. 6a, Supplementary Fig. 9b), supporting a role for MMP12 in dampening acute inflammatory responses. This evidence concerns the gene MMP12 and Lymphadenopathy.