Analysis of renal mononuclear phagocytes in murine models of SLE

In this chapter we present methods for the isolation and characterization of mononuclear phagocytes from the kidneys of mice with SLE. Activation of these cells is associated with the onset of clinical disease in mice and infiltration with these cells is associated with poor prognosis in humans. Using magnetic beads followed by flow cytometric sorting, pure populations of cells are obtained that are functional in a variety of assays. Sufficient numbers of cells are obtained for genomic characterization. An analysis of the function of these cells should lead to a better understanding of the inflammatory processes that cause renal impairment in SLE and other renal inflammatory diseases.