USE OF GENE EXPRESSION PROFILING IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF LUPUS NEPHRITIS AND SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

摘要

Compositions and methods for diagnosing, preventing, or treating lupus nephritis (LN), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or other autoimmune diseases. Lupus-related genes (LRGs) are identified in the present invention. These genes are differentially expressed in lupus-affected or lupus-predisposed tissues as compared to disease-free tissues. The genes and their expression products can be used as markers for diagnosing or monitoring SLE or LN. Modulators of the expression or protein activities of these genes can be used for the prevention or treatment of SLE/LN or other autoimmune diseases.