Pathogenic Inflammation and Its Therapeutic Targeting in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

ABSTRACT: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) is a highly complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease that most often afflicts women in their child-bearing years. It is characterized by circulating self-reactive antibodies that deposit in tissues, including skin, kidneys, and brain, and the ensuing inflammatory response can lead to irreparable tissue damage. Over many years, clinical trials in SLE have focused on agents that control B- and T-lymphocyte activation, and, with the single exception of an agent known as belimumab which targets the B-cell survival factor BAFF, they have been disappointing. At present, standard therapy for SLE with mild disease is the agent hydroxychloroquine. During disease flares, steroids are often used, while the more severe manifestations with major organ invol

SUBMITTER: Gottschalk TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4623412 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature