Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), considered as the major predictor of poor prognosis. An early diagnosis of LN is a real challenge in the management of SLE and has an important implication in guiding treatments. In clinical practice, conventional parameters still lack sensitivity and specificity for detecting ongoing disease activity in lupus kidneys and early relapse of nephritis. LN is characterized by glomerular kidney injury, essentially due to deposition of immune complexes involving autoantibodies against cellular components and circulating proteins. One of the possible mechanisms of induction of autoantibodies in SLE is a defect in apoptotic cells clearance and subsequent release of intracellular autoantigens. Autoantibodies against soluble protective molecules involved in the uptake of dying cells, including complement proteins and pentraxins, have been described. In this review, we present the main autoantibodies found in LN, with a focus on the antibodies against these protective molecules. We also discuss their pathogenic role and conclude with their potential interest as serological biomarkers in LN. •Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common and severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).•Kidney injury in LN is mediated by the glomerular deposition of pathogenic immune complexes.•Conventional parameters lack sensitivity and specificity for LN diagnosis and prognosis, hence the need for new biomarkers.•Autoantibodies against cellular components and circulating innate immune proteins have been identified in LN.•Predicting the activity of lupus nephritis will require testing a panel of autoantibodies.