Molecular aberrations in human systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects women during the childbearing years. Clinically, major organ systems are affected, including the skin, kidneys and nervous system. Genetic, hormonal, environmental and immunoregulatory factors contribute to the highly variable expression of the disease. Impaired cellular and humoral immune responses reflect disordered biochemical and molecular functions that might be determined genetically. Enhanced understanding of these molecular abnormalities should enable development of new, effective therapeutic agents in the near future.
Tsokos
G C
GC
Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. gtsokos@usa.net
Kammer
G M
GM
D017209:Apoptosis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
D004967:Estrogens; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface