Toll-like receptors in the development of renal injury  in systemic lupus erythematosus

Federica Casiraghi; Ariela Benigni

ISSN: 1734-1922

Archives of Medical Science Special Issues

Current issue Archive Archives of Medical Science

3/2009

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abstract:

Toll-like receptors in the development of renal injury in systemic lupus erythematosus

Federica Casiraghi

,

Ariela Benigni

Arch Med Sci 2009; 5, 3A: S 478–S 491

Online publish date: 2009/09/30

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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex, multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies to nucleoproteins and DNA, self antigens that probably accumulate as a result of apoptosis defects. The level of autoantibodies correlates with disease severity and the deposition of these immune complexes in the kidney is thought to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Recent studies in mouse models have drawn attention to the involvement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the generation of autoreactive immune responses. TLRs7 and 9 are activated either in immune or non-immune cells by immune complexes containing self RNA and DNA, respectively. These endogenous TLR ligands act as autoadjuvants providing a stimulatory signal together with the autoantigen, thus contributing and perpetuating the autoimmune disease. In this review we will summarize recent data on TLR7 and TLR9 in the development of renal injury in SLE.

keywords:

Toll-like receptors in the development of renal injury in systemic lupus erythematosus

Federica Casiraghi , Ariela Benigni

SLE, lupus nephritis, TLR7, TLR9

Federica Casiraghi

,

Ariela Benigni