Just one week since the celebration of World Lupus Day, researchers from the University of Houston, Texas have discovered a potential treatment for those who are affected by lupus.

The researchers in their academic paper note that they discovered a protein, V-set Immunoglobulin-domain-containing 4 or VSIG4, as a new biomarker that may help as a therapeutic target for lupus nephritis (LN, lupus-related kidney disease) treatment.

They noted that high levels of protein can indicate kidney damage and renal disease activity.

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease with LN being a common but serious consequence, making biomarker identification and patient monitoring vitally important for detection and treatment.

While using a new protein testing tool, the researchers found a total of 13 proteins that were significantly elevated in people with LN.

They also noted that the presence of these 13 proteins could be related to autoimmune diseases and/or chronic kidney diseases. Researchers then began closely examining these markers, some of which have been studied in animal models but not humans.

The researchers explained that in the lab, VSIG4 expressed differently in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, compared to living donors, and that the protein showed promise in regulating inflammation and blocking inflammation of the kidney.

However, they have admitted, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of VSIG4 as a marker for kidney activity.

Additionally, more investigation is needed of the 13 proteins to determine their influence as biomarkers for LN.

They expect to update the world before the year ends on new findings.