Detection and characterization of antirenal, autoreactive CD4+ T cells in human Lupus nephritis.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Philipp Enghard
• Subject Area: Nephrology ; Rheumatology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 362567182

Systemic lupus erythematosus often leads to kidney inflammation called lupus nephritis (LN). T-cells, which recognize and attack components of the own kidneys (so-called autoreactive T-cells), probably play an important role in the development and maintenance of LN. In our previous project we were able to detect such T cells in patients with LN in blood and urine for the first time. These T-cells can only be detected in patients with active LN and the amount of circulating autoreactive T-cells correlates with the disease activity. In the current project, we want to improve our understanding how these cells damage the kidneys. First, we want to describe the properties of these cells, i.e. what subtype of T-cell they are and what their activation state is. Building on this, a cell culture system will be established in which the autoreactive T cells of a patient are confronted with kidney cells cultivated from the urine of the same patient. In addition, the autoreactive T-cells will be directly detected in kidney biopsies taken as part of clinical routine. The overall goal of our project is to gain a better understanding of LN in order to develop better treatments. In a final step, we will try to find out what happens to autoreactive T cells after successful treatment, and whether persistent autoreactive T cells may be a risk factor for a later relapse of the disease.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants