ROLE OF COMPLEMENT RECEPTOR 2 IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Complement receptor 2 is a protein on antibody-producing cells believed to be important in lupus. We have shown that the gene for this protein is abnormal in an animal model of lupus, providing strong proof that it causes lupus. This receptor is also present at lower levels on the blood cells of people with lupus. In this study, we want to determine whether this change in the receptor is related to how sick a person with lupus is. We will look at the amount of this receptor on the blood cells of people with lupus at 3 month intervals for one year to see if the amount goes down when their lupus is more active. We will also try to sort out why the levels go down since this may help us understand what causes lupus and find better treatments.