T Regulatory Cells IN LUPUS NEPHRITIS

* To study the role FoxP3-positive T regulatory cells in the pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis, and determine the factors associated with levels of T regs . * To compare the functional capacity of T regs in LN and in normal individuals.

Lupus Nephritis (LN) encompasses a group of glomerulonephrites, that occur in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The mainstream theory that it is an immune disease resulting from loss of immune tolerance against body cells. The regulatory T cells (T regs ) are a subpopulation of immune cells that maintain tolerance to self-antigens and suppress autoimmune diseases. The main marker of Tregs is FoxP3 (forkhead box protein 3) positivity. Moreover, It has been suggested that functional capacity of Tregs is also compromised in autoimmune diseases. Studying the role of T regs in LN is a promising field that can help tailor current immune therapy and develop new treatment strategies.