Occurrence of immune complexes in lupus nephritis is a key pathogenic event and there is no specific treatment for this.

Apoptotic cell-derived microparticles are sources of autoantigens and traffickers of circulating immune complexes.

MP surface molecules add functional properties to immune complexes that contribute to their deposition and cell activation.

Proteomics of SLE-MPs have uncovered candidate targets such as galectin-3-binding protein and other binding molecules.

Future therapeutic targeting of MP surface molecules may attenuate the deposition of immune complexes in lupus nephritis.