Microarray-based analysis of renal complement components reveals a therapeutic target for lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND: Screening abnormal pathways and complement components in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and NZB/W mice may help to identify complement-related therapeutic targets for LN. METHODS: KEGG and GO enrichment assays were used to analyze kidney microarray data of LN patients and NZB/W mice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to measure renal expression of complement-related proteins and TGFβ1. Cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA. RESULTS: We screened the renal pathogenic pathways present in LN patients and NZB/W mice and selected the complement activation pathway for further study. The results indicated greater renal expression of C1qa, C1qb, C3, C3aR1, and C5aR1 at the mRNA and protein levels. C3 appeared to be a key factor in LN and the renal signaling downstream of C1 was inhibited. There were significant correlations between the expression of TGFβ1 and C3. Analysis of primary cell cultures indicated that TGFβ1 promoted the expression of C3 and that a TGFβ1 antagonist decreased the levels of C3 and C3aR. TGFβ1 inhibition significantly inhibited the deposition of complement-related factors in the kidneys of NZB/W mice. CONCLUSIONS: At the onset of LN, there are significant increases in the renal levels of C3 and other complement pathway-related factors in patients with LN and NZB/W mice. C3 may lead to albuminuria and participate in the pathogenesis of LN. TGFβ1 promotes C3 synthesis, and TGFβ1 inhibition may block the progression of LN by inhibiting the synthesis of C3 and other complement components. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02605-9.