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Researchers have identified a factor that controls immune cells’ entry into joints, which leads to arthritis in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Though they are studying other factors in the process, they believe these findings could lead to new treatments that are more effective in preventing arthritis. “Inflammatory arthritis is caused when immune…

Blocking a protein that controls the immune system’s reaction to a virus may also be used to prevent autoimmune reactions in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, research indicates. Although the PLSCR1 protein was discovered in the brain, researchers are exploring its role in inflammatory diseases throughout the body. An…

Those with severe cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have low levels of vitamin D, according to new research. The study, “25-Hydroxivitamin D Serum Concentration, Not Free and Bioavailable Vitamin D, Is Associated with Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients,” was published in the journal PLoS One. Vitamin D deficiency is common in SLE patients. Because…

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…

A consortium of European researchers has received nearly 15 million euros in European Commission funding to study chronic inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. The goal is to develop treatments that target the root causes of the diseases. The grant, the equivalent of $16 million, is also aimed at developing…

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections may increase over time among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but more studies are needed to assess the group’s risk, a new study says. The study, “Incidence Of Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Women,” was published in the…

Frailty, a syndrome of weight loss, weakness, slowness, exhaustion and inactivity, may predict reduced physical and cognitive function and a high risk of mortality in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Patricia P. Katz, PhD, of the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, reported these findings at the 2016…

The cancer drug Vecade (bortezomib) combined with glucocorticoids could be a treatment option for people with drug-resistant lupus nephritis (LN), suggests a study published in the scientific journal Lupus.

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) may be linked to the development of eye problems such as uveitis that can cause blindness, a study says. The research, “Uveitis In Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Multicenter Survey,” was published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology. Nearly a third of SLE…

Cytori Therapeutics will expand the scope of its Habeo Cell Therapy (ECCS-50) for secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon to include patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune conditions in addition to scleroderma patients. It made the decision after a pilot trial (NCT01813279) of the cell therapy helped 12 scleroderma patients…