Scientists at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center have discovered a small molecule that can significantly ameliorate symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who carry a defective CD11b protein. The findings suggest that pharmacologic activation of CD11b is a potential new therapeutic strategy for SLE. The study, “CD11b…
Certain variations in immune-system genes may be associated with an increased risk of Caucasians developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study The research, “Association between C4, C4A, and C4B copy number variations and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases: a meta-analysis,” was published in Scientific Reports. The immune system…
Reactive oxygen species in cells’ mitochondria trigger an immune response widely detected in patients with lupus, researchers have discovered. The finding suggests the potential for a new therapeutic avenue to ameliorate the effects of the chronic autoimmune disease. The study, “Reactive oxygen species induce virus-independent MAVS oligomerization in…
Novel genetic variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with a higher incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asians, research shows. The study, “Evaluation of 10 SLE susceptibility loci in Asian populations, which were initially identified in European populations,” was published in the journal Scientific Reports. A…
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are more likely to have a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection than those without lupus, according to a study. The research, “Chronic hepatitis C viral infection among SLE patients: the significance of coexistence,” was published in the journal Immunologic Research.
A defect in the C1q genes commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may promote serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in those with the disease, a case study suggests. The research, “C1q Deficiency and Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,” was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. C1q deficiency is…
Failure of patients with lupus nephritis (LN, class III and IV) to respond to initial therapy within 12 weeks is a predictor of poor kidney response and increased disease severity, a study shows. The research, “Lack of partial renal response by 12 weeks after induction therapy predicts poor renal response…
Vaccinating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with attenuated T-cells improved their symptoms, according to results of a small controlled trial. It supported previous findings that the vaccination can help lupus patients. The study, “The Impact of T Cell Vaccination in Alleviating and Regulating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Manifestation,” was…
Researchers analyzed blood samples from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and found supportive evidence that SLE enhances anemia by promoting the suicidal death of red blood cells. The study “Eryptosis as an Underlying Mechanism in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Related Anemia” was published in the journal Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism linking specific classes of immune cells and metabolism, a finding that may explain why patients with lupus are incapable of controlling the inflammatory responses that ultimately lead to disease. The study, “Foxp3 and Toll-like receptor signaling balance Treg cell anabolic metabolism for…