The role of effector T-cells in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis

PhD ceremony: Mr. S.C.J. Dolff, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: The role of effector T-cells in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis

Promotor(s): prof. C.G.M. Kallenberg

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterised by T-cell dependent autoantibody production associated with various clinical manifestations. The wide spectrum of clinical symptoms includes, amongst others, arthritis, skin involvement, vasculitis and renal involvement. In this thesis we analyzed whether T-cells during active disease migrate into tissue (kidney) and thus might be a marker for renal involvement. In conclusion, restorage of the peripheral effector T-cells balance could be a new therapeutic approach in SLE patients. Analysis of urinary T-cells could serve as a new marker for the determination of renal activity in SLE.