Summary : Renal disease is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and significantly influences patient prognosis. Immunosuppressive therapy has markedly improved outcome, however, it increases the risk of infection and cancer induction. Although several therapeutic regimens have proved to be effective in controlling lupus nephritis (LN), optimal therapy is still a matter of discussion. The following review summarizes our current knowledge in treating LN and discusses new aspects in pathogenesis. Hopefully, continuing progress in uncovering details about the pathogenesis of SLE might lead to more disease-specific approaches to treat the underlying immunological disorder.