Lupus is an autoimmune disease, i.e., a disease where the immune system attacks the person’s own body, and it manifests via different symptoms (a key factor frequently delaying the correct diagnosis). Currently without any cure, worldwide experts (from over 80 countries) are meeting in Vienna, Austria, from the 2nd –…
In a new study entitled “Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with the BAFF antagonist “peptibody” blisibimod (AMG 623/A-623): results from randomized, double-blind phase 1a and phase 1b trials” authors determined the safety, tolerability and efficacy of blisibimod, a B cell-activating factor antagonist, in patients with systemic…
In a new study entitled “Bortezomib Plus Continuous B Cell Depletion Results in Sustained Plasma Cell Depletion and Amelioration of Lupus Nephritis in NZB/W F1 Mice” researchers revealed a potential new therapy against the root-cause of systemic lupus erythematosus. The study was published in the journal…
In a new study entitled “Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induces cell cycle arrest and parenchymal damage in renal fibrosis“ a team of scientists showed that upon injury, kidney cells activate a cellular process, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which ultimately leads to fibrosis in the kidneys. The research team performed…
In a new study entitled “Genome-Wide Assessment of Differential DNA Methylation Associated with Autoantibody Production in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” researchers identified that epigenetic modifications in the DNA, specifically DNA methylation, is associated with autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus. The study was published in the open-access journal…
In a recent study entitled “Autoimmune Disease in First-Degree Relatives and Spouses of Individuals With Celiac Disease” researchers show that first-degree relatives and spouses of individuals with celiac disease have an increased risk of suffering from other type of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The study…
In a new study entitled “T-cell exhaustion, co-stimulation and clinical outcome in autoimmunity and infection” researchers discovered how T-cell exhaustion can determine the outcome of autoimmune diseases, suggesting that therapeutics targeting the underlying mechanism of T-cell exhaustion can benefit patient outcomes in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. The…
In a new study entitled “Tumor necrosis factor-alpha single nucleotide polymorphisms in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus” researchers investigated genetic variants, specifically those known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, within the gene tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that was previously suggested to play a role in juvenile…
Researchers at Monash University’s Department of Immunology recently developed a method to prevent lupus by targeting a specific receptor in B cells. B cells are a key type of immune cell responsible for defending the body against infections, producing antibodies and generating memory B cells that remain in the body so that, if encountering…
Several research teams at the New York University School of Medicine – Langone Medical Center recently presented their latest discoveries on key clinical aspects of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at the NYU Seminar in Advanced Rheumatology. In a study entitled Preventive Approach to Congenital Heart Block with Hydroxychloroquine (PATCH)…