title: The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus - from bench to bedside.
abstract: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) entails a complex interaction between the different arms of the immune system. While autoantibodies production and immune complex deposition are cornered as hallmark features of SLE, there is growing evidence to propose the pathogenic role of cytokines in this disease. Examples of these cytokines include BLys, interleukin-6, interleukin-17, interleukin-18, type I interferons and tumour necrosis factor alpha. These cytokines all assume pivotal functions to orchestrate the differentiation, maturation and activation of various cell types, which would mediate local inflammatory process and tissue injury. The knowledge on these cytokines not only fosters our understanding of the disease, but also provides insights in devising biomarkers and targeted therapies. In this review, we focus on cytokines which have substantial pathogenic significance and also highlight the possible clinical applications of these cytokines.
authors: Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
authors: Desmond Yat Hin
authors: DY
authors: Yap
authors: Kar Neng
authors: KN
authors: Lai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D016207:Cytokines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators