Developments in lupus 2006.
Published reports in 2006 on systemic lupus erythematosus are reviewed with regard to preclinical and clinical studies on disturbances of the immune system including co-stimulation, cytokines and recent insights into new therapeutic approaches. Increasing knowledge of components of the innate immune system, such as certain receptors (Toll-like receptors, Fc receptors and complement receptors) and cytokines as well as immune cells (dendritic cells, plasmacytoid cells and neutrophils) supports their immunopathogenic relevance and enhance our understanding of the pathogenic complexity of lupus. Although it remains to be shown which of those could be targets for therapy or biomarkers, lymphocyte-directed therapy is currently under promising clinical investigation.
Hansen
Arne
A
Charité Centrum 12, Charité University Medicine, Chariteplatz 01, 10098 Berlin, Germany. arne.hansen@charite.de
Hiepe
Falk
F
Dörner
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D051379:Mice; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000639:trends*