Objective:Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-containing 2(NOD2)is one of NOD-like receptors(NLRs)which plays important role in immune regulation and inflammatory response.There are increasing evidences to show that NOD2 may contribute to the development of numerous auto inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.Here,we expect to investigate the expression and distribution of NOD2 in renal tissue of human lupus nephritis(LN).Methods:Immunohistochemistry was applied to observe the expression and distribution of NOD2 in renal biopsies.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the level of NOD2 mRNA in the biopsies.Results:Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the expression of NOD2 in LN is higher than that of normal control,especially in glomerular epithelial cells(parietal epithelial cells and podocytes)and renal tubular epithelial cells of Ⅲ LN and Ⅳ LN.The mRNA level of NOD2 in renal tissue of LN patients was significantly up-regulated than that in normal control(P=0.001).Conclusions:These findings suggest that NOD2 may participate in the pathogenesis of LN,and NOD2 might be an important inflammatory mediator in the progression of LN.