Recently introduced into the market, belimumab (Benlysta) is a monoclonal 
antibody that has potential clinically efficacious applications for the 
treatment of lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis is a major complication of 
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that can lead to significant illness or even 
death without proper intervention and treatment. With vast implications through 
a novel mechanism, belimumab offers a new standard of treatment for physicians 
in the complications associated with SLE, specifically lupus nephritis. By 
targeting B cell signaling and maturation, belimumab is able to mitigate the 
underlying pathological complications surrounding SLE. Phase 3 clinical trials 
with belimumab have depicted clinically efficacious applications, suggesting 
belimumab as a revolutionary breakthrough in the treatment armamentarium for 
practicing clinicians. This article explains the precise mechanism of action of 
belimumab on the soluble protein BlyS that plays a major role in the 
pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. In addition, the extensive pharmacokinetics and 
clinical implications are exemplified in this review with belimumab's comparison 
with standard therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of lupus nephritis.