title: Toll-like receptor activation in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
abstract: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis is complex but no longer enigmatic. Much progress has been made to on the polygenetic origin of lupus in identifying gene variants that permit the loss of tolerance against nuclear autoantigens. Along the same line in about 50% of lupus patients additional genetic weaknesses promote immune complex glomerulonephritis and filtration barrier dysfunction. Here we briefly summarize the pathogenesis of SLE with a focus on loss of tolerance and the role of toll-like receptors in the "pseudo"-antiviral immunity concept of systemic lupus. In addition, we discuss the local role of Toll-like receptors in intrarenal inflammation and kidney remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Nephrologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.affiliation: Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lech
authors.affiliation: Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany. Electronic address: hjanders@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: Hans-Joachim
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Anders
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000276:immunology; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000276:immunology*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
keywords: Antiviral; Glomerulonephritis; Immune complex; Innate immunity; Therapy