Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Pathogenesis



 • Genetic factors (Mutations in HLA- DR2/HLA-DR3 genes, complement genes, cytokine genes, etc)

 • Environmental factors: UV-light (UV-A, UV-B); Viruses (EBV, CMV, retroviruses), Drugs (minocycline, hydralazine, procainamide), hormones (estrogen, prolactin), heavy metals

-> Interaction btw genetic and environmental factors (not well understood yet)

-> Multiple immune system defects (i.e. dysfunction of dendritic cells, B-cells, T-cells)

 • Auto-antibodies -> Abnormal production of immune complexes (auto-antibodies bound to self-antigens, activating complement proteins)

 • Auto-reactive T-cells -> Abnormal release of inflammatory cytokines such as Interferon-a, IL-6, IL-10



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