A recent study revealed that mitochondria induce inflammation in lupus through the release of reactive oxygen species into neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The research, “Neutrophil extracellular traps enriched in oxidized mitochondria DNA are interferogenic and contribute to lupus-like disease,” offers hope for new lupus treatments. Neutrophils are white blood cells…
A study from the Scripps Research Institute shows that harmful autoimmune responses, as seen in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can be controlled without compromising the normal activity of the immune system when fighting viruses and bacteria. The key, according…
Neovacs and Stellar Biotechnologies have collaborated to form a new biotech company called Neostell SAS. Neovacs will own 70 percent of the new company and Stellar Biotechnologies will own the remaining 30 percent. Neovacs is a European leader in immunotherapies developed to treat autoimmune diseases. It’s lead active immunotherapy candidate is IFNα-Kinoid,…
The role of the female hormone estrogen in two predominantly female autoimmune diseases — multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus — is the focus of a recent review study, “The Immune System Is a Natural Target for Estrogen Action: Opposing Effects of Estrogen in Two Prototypical Autoimmune Diseases.” The…
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients may be at a higher risk of seizures if they have a history of psychosis, neuropathy, proteinuria, or are currently using corticosteroids — among other factors — according to a study recently published in the Journal of Rheumatology, titled “Predictors of Incident Seizure in Systemic…
Dr. Jill Kramer at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will lead a research study into the role of a certain type of antibody in Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune diseases, including lupus. The study, focused on determining whether IgM is indeed harmless or pathogenic, is funded by a National…
New York and Chicago based Lupus Research Institute (LRI) says its supporters and others have much to celebrate in a 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed in the House and Senate and signed into law by President Obama in mid-December. “We are proud that the strong presence of LRI patient…
The Lupus Research Institute (LRI) recently announced this years’ research grants awarded to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) researchers. The topics vary, but all strive to either present a better understanding of why people develop lupus or to improve treatment for the disease. Two projects will investigate the link between bacteria…
Yale researchers have discovered a new transcription factor governing the production of a gene related to conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The discovery opens up the possibility of more personalized SLE treatment. The study, titled “Transcription factor ICBP90 regulates the MIF promoter and immune susceptibility locus“ and published in the …
A recent study has identified two novel substances — an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent — that can control the excessive inflammatory response to fungal infection often seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Earlier studies have shown that invasive fungal infection (IFI) with the fungus Candida albicans can be life-threatening for SLE patients.