Immune therapy of lupus: what is on the horizon?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disease whichhas posed a continuing challenge to scientists and cliniciansof diverse areas of specialization. It serves as a model forthe study of the mechanisms of autoimmunity—providingan important basis for the development of novel targeted therapiesin lupus and related conditions. The pathophysiology of SLE stems from the abnormal clearanceof apoptotic cells and/or endothelial activation. Material fromdying cells such as apoptotic blebs that are not efficientlyremoved may act as antigenic stimuli and lead to the developmentof autoantibodies with consequent formation of immune complexesand an inflammatory response in a variety of organ systems [1].This