Systemic lupus erythematosus is a severe, incurable autoimmune disease with an incidence of 5 per 100,000 people in the United States1 and a global burden of disease that likely exceeds 5 million people.2 Lupus nephritis is one of the most dreaded manifestations of lupus, affecting both quality of life and life expectancy. Kidney damage and end-stage kidney disease increase the risk for mortality 3.6- and 9.2-fold, respectively.3 Standard treatment for lupus nephritis entails nonspecific immunosuppression that carries the risk for serious side effects, highlighting the need for novel, less toxic therapies.