Evaluation of Possible Role of Dendritic Cells in Various Lupus Nephritis

Background & Objectives: Chronicity of lupus nephritis (LN) should be considered for interaction of cell mediated immunity (CMI) and dendritic cells in glomeruli and tubulointerstitial areas. In this study establishment of immunohistopathological changes of dendritic cells and other immune effector cells in lupus nephritis comparing with non-lupus nephritis was performed. Materials & Methods: Renal needle biopsies of 35 cases of lupus nephritis and 35 cases of other causes of persistent proteinuria were compared for immunohistochemistry for plasmacytoid (CD123), myeloid (CD11c) dendritic cells, macrophages (CD68) and lymphocytes (CD4) markers. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Spearman and Pearson correlation or ANOVA and t- student test (P < 0.05). Results: Significant difference of glomerular and interstitial spaces for presence of myeloid-plasmacytoid dendritic cells and lymphocytes except macrophages between lupus nephritis and other causes of persistent proteinuria have found (P < 0.001). Positive significant correlations were observed between glomerular presentation of myeloid dendritic cells and chronicity index but not with other markers in lupus nephritis (P < 0.001). Statistically significant changes between presence of all markers and activity index were not observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The myeloid dendritic cells might have synergistic role with other immune cells in pathogenesis and progression or chronicity of lupus nephritis.