Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The true prevalence of clinical lupus nephritis in persons with SLE is probably around 50%, being higher in certain ethnic groups and in children.
It was hypothesized that intrarenal B cells form part of a local system with pivotal involvement in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. It enhances immunological responses and exaggerates the local immune response to persisting autoimmune damage in the tubulointerstitium. T cells cause tissue injury by activating and providing help to nephritogenic antibody-producing B cells, recruiting macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), and producing cytokines.
Aim: This retrospective study aims to assess intrarenal B and T lymphocytic infilterates in cases of lupus nephritis using CD20 and CD3and determine their possible value in lupus nephritis and their possible relation to clinical outcome.
Results: Intrarenal B &T cells were more likely to be associated with class IV LN. LN activity index (AI), chronicity index (CI), proteinuria and serum creatinin had a significant statistical correlation with intrarenal B and T cell infiltrates.