Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which cells that are infected can signal their neighbors that something is wrong. Understanding how this alarm signal works might lead to new strategies for shutting down harmful immune reactions in diseases like lupus. The study, “Intracellular bacteria engage…
An abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut, particularly increases in the bacteria Ruminococcus gnavus, may play a critical role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a study shows. The study, “Lupus nephritis is linked to disease-activity associated expansions and immunity to a gut commensal,” was published in …
A new study has identified a critical regulator of immunity, called microRNA-142, which could have significant implications for understanding or even treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. The study, “microRNA-142-mediated repression of phosphodiesterase 3B critically regulates peripheral immune tolerance,” was published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. The…
A new proof-of-concept study supports the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), showing that transplanting MSCs can control the disease in patients from different ethnicities. The study, “Therapeutic potential of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation for lupus nephritis,” was published in …
Abnormalities in the skeletal muscle are not a major contributor to the fatigue experienced by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, a study based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggests, contradicting prior beliefs. The study, “Metabolic and structural skeletal muscle health in systemic lupus erythematosus related fatigue:…
Stress, depression, and pain — but not disease activity, sleep, or physical health —  appear to be major contributors to fatigue among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a new study reports. The findings support that screening and treatment of these measures are included in the usual care of SLE patients, particularly…
A diet that is higher in fiber might benefit people with autoimmune diseases like lupus by reducing the amount of disease-causing bacteria in the gut, a new study suggests. The study, “A Diet-Sensitive Commensal Lactobacillus Strain, Mediates TLR7-Dependent Systemic Autoimmunity,” was published in Cell Host & Microbe.
Rituxan (rituximab), a medicine that is often used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may also be effective at treating skin lesions in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a study suggests. Researchers found that one year after treatment, 61% of patients experienced improvements in their skin lesions,…
Adding an oral immunosuppressive agent and hydroxychloroquine to routine intravenous cyclophosphamide significantly increases response rates among patients with lupus nephritis without increasing the rate of severe adverse events, a randomized study found. The study, “Combined immunosuppressive treatment (CIST) in lupus nephritis: a multicenter, randomized controlled study,” was published…