Buildup of Abnormal Antibodies (IMAGE) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Caption St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered that the tumor suppressor protein PTEN also ensures that regulatory T cells function properly and helps maintain a balanced immune response. Deleting PTEN from the regulatory T cells of mice was associated with immune abnormalities and kidney damage is a hallmark of lupus. The image on the left shows the buildup of abnormal antibodies (in pink) in the kidney of mice, following deletion of PTEN from regulatory T cells. Original image: Cliff Guy, Ph.D. Credit Cliff Guy, Ph.D., St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.