Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

Proliferative lupus nephritis is a serious form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), that can result in scarring and impaired kidney function. As a leader in the field of rare diseases, including conditions like proliferative lupus nephritis, our company is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and convenient one-stop services to our valued customers.

Overview of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

In the classification of lupus nephritis, proliferative lupus nephritis (classes III and IV) is differentiated from non-proliferative forms (classes I, II, and V) based on the presence of active proliferative lesions in the glomeruli, which are the structural units responsible for filtration in the kidneys. Proliferative lupus nephritis, characterized by active proliferative lesions in the glomeruli, signifies a more severe form of kidney involvement compared to non-proliferative forms. Individuals with proliferative lupus nephritis may present with symptoms such as swelling, foamy urine, high blood pressure, and reduced kidney function.

Fig.1 A simplified cross section of the glomerulus. (Katikaneni, D., et al., 2024)

Pathogenesis of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

The pathogenesis of proliferative lupus nephritis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and dysregulation of the immune system. In the context of SLE, aberrant immune responses lead to the formation of immune complexes comprising antibodies and self-antigens that deposit in the kidney's glomeruli. This deposition triggers an inflammatory cascade, promoting cellular proliferation, and fibrotic changes, and ultimately compromising renal function.

Individuals suffering from proliferative lesions demonstrated higher morbidity than those with non-proliferative lesions.

Fig.2. Prevalence of different lupus nephritis classes among adult individuals. (Zahab, M., et al., 2021)

Biomarkers Development of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

Distinguishing between proliferative lupus nephritis and membranous lupus nephritis is essential in understanding the progression and management of the disease. Some non-histological factors such as autoantibodies in lupus nephritis can provide additional information, useful in distinguishing proliferative nephritis from membranous nephritis.

Anti-nucleosome antibodies

Anti-RNP70 antibodies

Anti-dsDNA antibodies

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies

Therapeutics Development of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

Drug Names	Drug Types	Mechanism of Action	Research Phase
Voclosporin	Small molecule inhibitor	A novel calcineurin inhibitor	Approval
Zanubrutinib	Small molecule inhibitor	Inhibition of BTK activity	Phase II trials
Mizoribine	Small molecule inhibitor	Inhibit purine synthesis pathway	Phase III trials
Anifrolumab	Antibody	A type I INF receptor antagonist	Phase III trials
Obinutuzumab	Antibody	A humanized type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody	Approval
Belimumab	Antibody	Reduce active B cells	Approval

Our Services

Our company's animal models and therapy development platforms can support your research at any stage from disease mechanisms to innovative therapy development. Leveraging animal models and therapeutic development platforms of our company can be instrumental in elucidating disease mechanisms exploring innovative therapies, and advancing the development process in the field of diagnostics and therapeutics of rare diseases.

Therapy Development Platforms

Animal Models of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

Animal models provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of proliferative lupus nephritis and help in understanding the complex interplay between immunological factors and renal damage. Our company can provide a variety of animal models of lupus nephritis for you, offer valuable resources for investigating potential therapeutic interventions.

Chemical-induced Models

In these models, the administration of the chemical to animals can induce the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Such as the production of autoantibodies, and immune complex deposition.
Optional Models: Pristane-induced model; Mercuric chloride-induced model, etc.

Spontaneous Genetic models

Some mouse strains, such as the BXSB and MRL/lpr model, develop a spontaneous lupus-like syndrome, including proliferative glomerulonephritis, due to specific genetic mutations or combinations of genetic factors.
Optional Models: MRL/lpr model; BXSB model; NZB/NZW F1 model, etc.

Genetically Engineered Models

Transgenic or gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 are being used to overexpress or knock out specific genes known to play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
Optional Models: Fcgr2b^-/- model, etc.

Our company is equipped with advanced infrastructure and professional technical personnel, driven by innovative ideas, and can provide you with pharmacokinetic research and drug safety evaluation services. If you are interested in learning more about our services and how we can support your research endeavors, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for further information.

References

Katikaneni, Divya et al. "Animal models of lupus nephritis: the past, present and a future outlook." Autoimmunity 57.1 (2024): 2319203.
Zahab, Mohamed et al. "Treatment Outcomes of Proliferative vs. Non-proliferative Adult Lupus Nephritis: A 10-Year Follow-Up." Cureus 13.8 (2021): e16955.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.

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