title: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: recent lessons from animal models.
abstract: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) may present as a clinically heterogeneous group of lupus-specific skin lesions that have common histopathological findings. Determination of the immunopathological sequence of events in this group of disorders has been challenging for dermatologists and immunologists but is vital for therapeutic targeting. We review animal models in which different aspects of immune alteration in CLE have been addressed. The MRL/lpr mouse develops spontaneous skin disease with some features of CLE. Study of this strain and related gene-manipulated strains has revealed roles for multiple cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, and IL-21, in disease pathogenesis. A role for the growth factor colony stimulating factor 1 and the inflammatory protein high-mobility group box 1 has also been suggested. We discuss potential novel treatment options suggested by these models.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Skin Science and Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghoreishi
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dutz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D024243:HMGB1 Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000276:immunology; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D024243:HMGB1 Protein; D007378:Interleukins; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor