This invention pertains to methods of treating systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis or Sjogren's Syndrome with compounds that selectively inhibit the activity of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. Specifically, the current invention is directed to treatment with compounds that selectively inhibit the activity of Bcl-2 proteins, with a lesser affinity for inhibiting the activity of other BCL-2 family proteins, including Bcl-x L .