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Monogenic Lupus

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (G Tsokos, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease known for its clinical heterogeneity. Over time, new insights into the complex genetic origin of SLE have started to explain some of this clinical variability. These findings, reviewed here, have also yielded important understanding in the immune mechanisms behind SLE pathogenesis.

Recent Findings

Several new monogenic disorders with lupus-like phenotype have been described. These can be organized into physiologic pathways that parallel mechanisms of disease in SLE. Examples include genes important for DNA damage repair (e.g., TREX1), nucleic acid sensing and type I interferon overproduction (e.g., STING, TREX1), apoptosis (FASLG), tolerance (PRKCD), and clearance of self-antigen (DNASE1L3).

Summary

Further study of monogenic lupus may lead to better genotype/phenotype correlations in SLE. Eventually, the ability to understand individual patients according to their genetic profile may allow the development of more targeted and personalized approaches to therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, USA

    Mindy S. Lo

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Mindy S. Lo

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Lo, M.S. Monogenic Lupus. Curr Rheumatol Rep 18, 71 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-016-0621-9

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