Integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk transcriptome data reveal the significant role of macrophages in lupus nephritis.

Objective: We attempted to identify abnormal immune cell components and signaling pathways in lupus nephritis (LN) and to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LN and normal kidney tissues were identified from bulk transcriptome data, and functional annotation was performed. The phenotypic changes in macrophages and aberrant intercellular signaling communications within immune cells were imputed from LN scRNA-seq data using trajectory analysis and verified using immunofluorescence staining.