Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression of BATF, a member of the activator protein-1 family, in the renal tissues of
mice with lupus nephritis. Methods The renal tissues from 24-week-old female MRL/lpr mice and age- and sex-matched
C57BL/6 mice were examined for BATF protein expressions using Western blotting and for expressions of BATF, RORγt and
IL-17A mRNA using quantitative real-time PCR. The results of laboratory examinations were analyzed in relation with the
histopathology of the mice. Results The urinary protein and ds-DNA levels were significantly higher in MRL/lpr mice than in
the control mice (P<0.05). Compared to normal control mice, MRL/lpr mice showed obvious glomerular fibrosis and
inflammatory cell infiltrating with significantly increased BATF protein and mRNA expressions (P<0.05) and RORγt and IL-17
mRNA expressions in the renal tissues (P<0.05). In MRL/lpr mice, the expression of BATF mRNA was positively correlated
with the RORγt and IL-17A mRNA expressions in the renal tissues. Conclusion The renal expressions of BATF protein and
mRNA is increased in MRL/lpr mice. BATF may participate in the immunopathogenesis of lupus nephritis by enhancing Thl7
cell response.