Developments in the clinical understanding of lupus. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Advances in genetics and new understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate innate and adaptive immune system activation, along with renewed focus on the role of the complement system as a mediator of inflammation, have stimulated elaboration of a scheme that might explain key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical observations identifying important comorbidities in patients with lupus have been a recent focus of research linking immune mechanisms with clinical manifestations of disease. While these advances have identified rational and promising targets for therapy, so far the therapeutic trials of new biologic agents have not met their potential. Nonetheless, progress in understanding the underlying immunopathogenesis of lupus and its impact on clinical disease has accelerated the pace of clinical research to improve the outcomes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

publication date

  • October 14, 2009

Research

keywords

  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC2787273

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 75649123842

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1186/ar2762

PubMed ID

  • 19849817

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 11

issue

  • 5