Role of interleukin-17 in the immunpathogenesis of lupus nephritis

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Thomas Rauen
• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 137748262

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by severely altered T cells function and cytokine production pattern. Recent data and preliminary results suggest a pivotal role for interleukin (IL)-17 in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. IL-17 producing cells have been found in the kidneys of SLE patients as well as in the kidneys of lupus prone MRL/lpr mice. T cells of these mice show an enhanced expression of the transcriptional repressor CREMa which is involved in the regulation of T cell cytokine expression. Transgenic mice expressing CREM show increased IL-17 production. To further dissect the role of IL-17 in pathogenesis of lupus nephritis, I plan to (a) link CREMa to IL-17 production and pathology of lupus nephritis, (b) analyze effects of IL-17 deficiency on the course of lupus nephritis and (c) track IL-17 producing T cells to organs displaying lupus pathology. The proposed studies will reveal new insights in the molecular regulation of the immune response in SLE T cells that may open approaches for its therapeutic manipulation.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. George C. Tsokos