New Research Finds Cells May Cause Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Possible Approach for Disease Reversal

A complex and mysterious disease, the causes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain unknown. In a new study, researchers discovered a mechanism that may contribute to lupus development and a possible new approach to reverse or cure the disease. 

Scientists examined the blood of 19 people with SLE and compared it to those of healthy individuals. 

They found that Type I interferon modulates a receptor called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) which leads to increased production of a subset of T cells that activate B cells, resulting in an increase in inflammation.

"This basic research, uncovering how interferon drives abnormal T and B cell interactions that cause the abnormal autoimmunity of lupus, is really exciting. It was very careful, well-conducted, hypothesis-driven research, which now suggests a new way that we might treat lupus, targeting this abnormal pathway by which a certain type of T cells stimulate B cells, which are the producers of autoantibodies in lupus.  We have new drugs for the treatment of lupus because of basic research such as this, uncovering how the T and B lymphocytes interact and identifying new targets for drugs to interrupt abnormal signaling" shared Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH, one of the study's authors and Chair of the Lupus Foundation of America's Medical-Scientific Advisory Council.

Identifying what causes lupus is paramount to finding a cure and to discovering better treatment approaches for people living with the disease. These findings in a small number of people living with lupus are promising but will need to be validated in larger populations.

Learn more about understanding lupus.

Read the study