Value of Foxp3 expressing T-regulatory cells in renal tissue in lupus nephritis; an immunohistochemical study

Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) functions as a master regulator in the development and function of T-regulatory (Treg) cells. Recent studies have shown that autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are associated with an imbalance with the Treg cells and T helper (Th) subtypes.
To evaluate immunohistochemical expression of Foxp3 positive Treg cells in lupus nephritis (LN) and analyze its association with clinicopathologic parameters.
Renal biopsy specimens of 50 patients with LN were studied. Specimens were divided into; group A; 25 LN cases without proliferative activity (Class II and V) and group B: 25 cases with proliferative activity (Class III and IV). Immunohistochemical staining for anti-human Foxp3 antibody and grading from grade 0 to grade 3 was done. Foxp3 expression in group A was (grade 0 in 14 [56.0%], grade in 11 [44.0 %]) in comparison to group B (grade in 6 [24.0%], grade in 11 [44.0%] and grade in 8 [32.0%]) (P Immunohistochemical Foxp3 expression in renal tissue was higher in proliferative versus non-proliferative LN and is associated with activity and severity of LN. Further studies are needed to determine its prognostic value in LN.