Epidemiology of vascular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus Accelerated atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular (CV) events is a well-established cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A bimodal mortality pattern in SLE was recognized in the…
Introduction Renal involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was first reported by W. Osler in 1895. “Wire loop” glomeruli, the pathological lesions that are characteristic of lupus nephritis (LN) were described by Baehr et al in 1935. With the advent of…
Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is inherited as a multifactorial trait with genetic predisposition playing a major role. Consequently, there has been considerable interest in defining the genetics of this disease. Progress in this area has advanced tremendously over the…
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by extensive immunopathological aberrations and peripheral organ damage. Over the past 50 years, murine models have provided valuable insights in elucidating the mechanisms underlying lupus pathogenesis, identifying potential therapeutic targets, as…
Introduction The pathophysiology of the systemic autoimmune/inflammatory disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not completely understood. In rare cases, SLE or lupus-like disorders are conferred by disease-causing mutations in single genes, which include complement genes involved in the proximal classical…
Introduction The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is attributed to immune cell malfunction that results in the production of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA). Current therapies mainly rely on cytotoxic agents. B-cell blockades have limited clinical efficacy. , Selective depletion of…
Introduction MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found as endogenous small noncoding RNAs that fine-tune cellular gene expression and regulate physiological functions. miRNAs are involved in controlling immune cell development and regulating innate and adaptive immunity in both physiological and pathological conditions.…
Introduction Immune complexes (ICs) are products of immune reactions that are formed by binding between antigen and antibody through non-covalent interactions. ICs play important roles in the clearance of pathogens. However, the production of autoantibodies and formation of ICs against…
Autoantibodies directed against intracellular targets are characteristic features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD). Studies have provided strong evidence that autoantibodies are produced by antigen-driven responses, revealing the identity of antigens involved in breaking…
Introduction Elevated anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA antibody titers are diagnostic and prognostic markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and their presence is well documented to correlate with lupus nephritis. These antibodies are often deposited in the glomeruli and can be eluted…