Unraveling the Genetic Predisposition to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A collection of studies and commentary focus on the identification of genetic defects associated with risk for SLE.

It has long been suggested that patients who develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a genetically determined predisposition. Researchers have noted that deficiency of the second component of complement is associated with SLE and with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). SLE is, perhaps, not just one disease; it has manifestations in many organs, and prognosis and the mechanisms by which inflammation develops differ depending on the organ systems involved.

Four recent reports and two excellent editorials published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Genetics link different genetic defects to increased risk for SLE. These studies relied on analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with SLE.…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)