Fig. 3

Expression of renal complement components in NZB/W mice during the progression of LN. A Cluster analysis showing the expression of C1qa, C1qb, C1qc, C3aR1, C3, C5aR1, CR3, and CR4 in the control group (16 weeks, N = 8), early-stage group (23 weeks, N = 6), and late-stage group (36 weeks, N = 10). B Renal mRNA levels of complement components in each group (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001, ▲ significant difference between late-stage and early-stage). C Immunohistochemical analysis of C3 and C3aR. D Complement activation pathway analysis based on kidney microarray results of LN patients and NZB/W mice, red boxes show significantly upregulated genes