Sun-Sang J. Sung, PhD Lab
PRIMARY APPOINTMENT
Associate Professor of Research, Medicine
Contact:
UVA Division of Nephrology
PO Box 800133
Telephone: 434-982-3557
Fax: 434-924-9578
Email: sjs5c@virginia.edu
RESEARCH AREAS
Macrophages, dendritic cells, and other myeloid cells interact with glomerular parenchymal cells.
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease manifesting as compromised kidney function. Glomerular destruction is a major disease hallmark. Using an autoimmune mouse model of lupus nephritis, we found that extensive macrophage infiltration occurs in animals with severe proteinuria. Macrophage expression of PD-L1 induces proteinuria. Furthermore, macrophages produce TNF, which initiates cytokine and chemokine production by podocytes and mesangial cells. This cytokine milieu is detrimental to the integrity of the glomerulus. Studies are performed to study the functional roles of podocytes and mesangial cells in lupus nephritis’s pathogenesis and identify cytokine and surface receptors as therapeutic targets.