Recurrence of lupus nephritis after kidney transplantation is often regarded as rare, and transplantation of patients with end-stage renal disease secondary to this condition is common. Several studies, however, have reported a higher incidence of recurrence of lupusnephritis after renal transplantation than the 1–4% which is usually quoted. Weng and Goral discuss reasons for the variation in reported incidence of recurrent lupus nephritis and consider the potential clinical impact of recurrence.