REVIEW - Developments in the scientific understanding of lupus

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Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008, 10:218doi:10.1186/ar2488

Review

Published: 10 October 2008

Developments in the scientific understanding of lupus

P Ardoin1 and S Pisetsky2

1Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Duke University Medical

Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710, USA

2Medical Research Service, Durham VA Hospital, Durham, North Carolina,

508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease

characterized by the production of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs).

Recent research into human and murine lupus suggests that disease

susceptibility results from genetic polymorphisms regulating immune

responses as well as impairing the clearance of apoptotic cells.

Because the products of dead cells, including nucleic acids, have

immunologic activity, this situation can promote antigen-driven ANA

responses. Furthermore, immune complexes of ANAs can drive the

production of proinflammatory cytokines, inducing the 'interferon

signature', and intensifying disease. Together, these findings point

to new genetic and immunologic markers of disease as well as targets

for new therapies.

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http://arthritis-research.com/content/10/5/218

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