New genetic findings offer therapeutic approaches for incurable autoimmune disease SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system that normally protects the body from invading microbes, turns against the body’s own cells. This autoimmune attack can affect any organ and patients commonly develop skin rashes, joint inflammation, blood clots, kidney failure, heart disease, fatigue and psychiatric problems. To date, there is no cure for SLE and patients are treated with immunosuppressing drugs with considerable side effects.