Understanding the immune cells that spur inflammation in lupus nephritis (LN) can help advance knowledge of disease progression and identify new treatments. A new study discovered that macrophages, a type of white blood cells that attack and destroy diseased and damaged cells, may play an important role in LN.
Through RNA sequencing studies and data analysis, researchers found that type 1 interferon (IFN) pathway signaling, which impacts B cell functions in lupus, was significantly increased within the kidney tissue of people with LN . Additionally, researchers found that the level of intensity of IFN signaling was significantly correlated with the destruction of diseased and damaged cells. This is known as macrophage infiltration. The correlation suggests a signal communication among immune cells in which macrophages are deployed to assist the immune system. The investigators also found the gene, LGALS9, which is involved in immune regulation, is rich in macrophage-related pro-inflammatory signaling activity, and therefore, may be a potential therapeutic target for LN treatment.
More studies are needed to understand the role of macrophages in LN. Learn more about diagnosing lupus and lupus and the kidneys.
This post was originally published on this site