Abstract: The invention provides methods treating lupus nephritis based in individuals with significantly impaired renal function, and methods of selecting individuals for treatment based on significantly impaired renal function. The treatment entails administration of a conjugate comprising a non-immunogenic valency platform molecule and at least two double stranded DNA epitopes, such as DNA molecules, which bind to anti-DNA antibodies from the patient. The invention also provides methods of identifying individuals suitable for treatment for lupus, based on assessing renal function to identify those individuals with significant impairment of renal function.