title: SLE: translating lessons from model systems to human disease.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) results from immune-mediated damage to multiple organs. Its pathogenesis should be viewed as a series of steps, beginning with impaired immune regulation that permits self-reactive T-B-cell activation, which results in the production of autoantibodies. Activated T and B cells then infiltrate tissues, which along with autoantibody and immune complex deposition, triggering local events that ultimately cause organ damage. Although improved understanding of early autoimmune events might open up avenues for disease prevention, future investigations must focus on the mechanisms of end-organ damage in model systems and how to translate this knowledge into human disease. Understanding the mechanisms of each pathogenetic step would provide a rational basis for the development of disease stage-specific diagnostic markers and treatments.
authors.affiliation: Autoimmunity and Tolerance Lab, Div. of Rheumatology, Dept. of Medicine, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Rm. 32-59 Rehabilitation Center, 1000 Veteran Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1670, USA. RRSingh@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Ram Raj
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D018448:Models, Immunological
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies