Kidney damaged by immune system. Gross specimen of the two halves of a sectioned kidney in a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The kidney is an organ that filters and cleans the blood. SLE is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own organs. Treatment is with corticosteroid and immunosuppressant drugs. A special diet may be needed when the kidneys are affected by this condition. Kidney failure will require dialysis and a kidney transplant.