Etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Research efforts of the last few years have mainly focused on basic molecul ar and cellular pathogenetic processes of the disease. Consequently, this p aper reviews the etiopathogenetic hallmarks, such as impaired amount and pr esentation of nuclear antigens, production of antinuclear antibodies by T-c ell-dependent B cell stimulation and organ damage by anti-dsDNA antibodies or immune complexes that are discussed at the present time. In summary, the hypothesis of a dysregulation of apoptotic cell clearance is strongly supp orted and broadly discussed. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.