Molecule Key to Joint Inflammation Identified, May Lead to Improved Arthritis Treatments

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…

Understanding Molecular Diversity of Lupus Could Personalize Treatment Approach, Improve Clinical Trials

In a landmark study, principal researcher Virginia Pascual at the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, and colleagues, investigated the molecular diversity of lupus and found that a personalized immuno-monitoring approach allows for classification of patients into specific disease groups. Researchers believe these results may explain why lupus clinical trials have a low success rate…

Lupus Linked to Release of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species

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…

Mechanisms Underlying Autoimmunity Development

A team led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center recently revealed new insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of autoimmunity in animal models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study was recently published in the journal Cell Reports and is…