Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a polygenic, multifactorial, autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against a variety of self-antigens. More than 40 susceptibility loci (both MHC and non-MHC genes) are known to contribute to the development of SLE. Multiple clinical features, including inflammation, deposition of immune complexes and vascular abnormalities, involving many organs are reported. In chronic SLE patients, atherosclerosis and subsequent tissue damage can also be observed. This diversity indicates that there are several subsets of SLE, each with its own combination of disease mechanism and genetic predisposition. However, most patients are treated broadly with glucocorticosteroid, antimalarials and immunosuppressive agents. Only two new therapies have been approved over the last 10 years. It is therefore of utmost importance to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease initiation and manifestations to develop more specific treatment options tailored to the different subsets of SLE.
The main aim of this collection is to assemble and summarize prior knowledge and new findings to further understand predisposition factors of SLE, advances in its diagnostic methods, pathogenesis and treatment strategies using both basic and clinical research settings. This article collection will highlight substantial contributions to the field and will motivate researchers in the lupus field to do advanced research leading to new findings and drug development that could ultimately alleviate sufferings of lupus patients.
This collection will include both original research and review articles focusing on, but not limited to
1. Genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors contributing to SLE development
2. Clinical manifestations and organ-tissue involvement in disease progression
3. Molecular mechanisms underlying disease development including cellular and humoral factors as well as defects in tolerance and clearance mechanisms
4. Advances in lupus diagnosis for early detection and identification of new diagnostic markers
5. Contribution of animal models in dissecting lupus susceptibility and severity as well as in identifying new drug targets
6. Current and future treatment strategies
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a polygenic, multifactorial, autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against a variety of self-antigens. More than 40 susceptibility loci (both MHC and non-MHC genes) are known to contribute to the development of SLE. Multiple clinical features, including inflammation, deposition of immune complexes and vascular abnormalities, involving many organs are reported. In chronic SLE patients, atherosclerosis and subsequent tissue damage can also be observed. This diversity indicates that there are several subsets of SLE, each with its own combination of disease mechanism and genetic predisposition. However, most patients are treated broadly with glucocorticosteroid, antimalarials and immunosuppressive agents. Only two new therapies have been approved over the last 10 years. It is therefore of utmost importance to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease initiation and manifestations to develop more specific treatment options tailored to the different subsets of SLE.
The main aim of this collection is to assemble and summarize prior knowledge and new findings to further understand predisposition factors of SLE, advances in its diagnostic methods, pathogenesis and treatment strategies using both basic and clinical research settings. This article collection will highlight substantial contributions to the field and will motivate researchers in the lupus field to do advanced research leading to new findings and drug development that could ultimately alleviate sufferings of lupus patients.
This collection will include both original research and review articles focusing on, but not limited to
1. Genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors contributing to SLE development
2. Clinical manifestations and organ-tissue involvement in disease progression
3. Molecular mechanisms underlying disease development including cellular and humoral factors as well as defects in tolerance and clearance mechanisms
4. Advances in lupus diagnosis for early detection and identification of new diagnostic markers
5. Contribution of animal models in dissecting lupus susceptibility and severity as well as in identifying new drug targets
6. Current and future treatment strategies
