ABSTRACT
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a generalized autoimmune disorder associated with multiple cellular and humoral immune abnormalities and protean clinical manifestations. The chapter starts with a brief discussion of the clinical manifestations, course, and diagnostic criteria for SLE, followed by an in-depth discussion of the immunological characteristics detected in SLE patients, with emphasis on autoantibodies and their diagnostic value. The following section centers on the pathogenesis of SLE and the multiple factors involved (genetic, hormonal, environmental, and immunological). The pathogenic role of antigen immunocomplexes, particularly as a causative factor of glomerulonephritis is also discussed in detail. The chapter ends with a discussion of the therapeutic approaches to SLE, including anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs and newer and experimental approaches based on our knowledge of the pathogenesis of SLE.
