T cells and B cells in lupus nephritis

Abstract

T and B lymphocytes play diverse roles at multiple stages in the development and progression of lupus nephritis. Disruption of T- and B-cell regulatory functions by environmental and genetic influences permits pathogenic effectors to emerge in disease. New insights into the biology of these multifunctional cells offer novel targets for intervention in lupus nephritis and systemic autoimmunity.

Figure 1

Antigen regulation of autoimmunity. Self-antigen contact with T or B cell receptor can induce specific tolerance or activation in the responding lymphocyte. The outcome of the interaction depends on the microenvironment and whether an inflammatory milieu upregulates costimulatory signals. Ag, antigen; Breg, regulatory B cell; Treg, regulatory T cell; PC, plasma cell; CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocyte

Figure 2

Diverse roles for B cells, T cells and dendritic cells (DC) in the control of autoimmunity and pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.