Abstract: The subject invention concerns a method for therapeuticaly treating a patient afflicted with autoimmune disorders or disease. The subject method comprises admninistering to a patient an antibody composition that is capable of binding to and inhibiting self-reactive pathogenic anti-bodies present within the patient. Specifically exemplified is a method for treating systemic lupus erythematosis wherein the antibody composition administered to the patient comprises purified anti-DNA anti-idiotypic antibodies. The subject invention further concerns a method for purifying from pooled human gamma globulin preparations anti-idiotype antibodies useful in the present therapeutic method. The present invention further concerns a purified antibody composition useful in the present therapeutic method.