Lupus eritematoso sistémico (lupus)

Recent research on lupus has focused on:

• Genetics: a number of genes associated with lupus risk and severity have been discovered.
• Sex differences: researchers are trying to understand the biological bases for sex differences in immune and inflammatory systems to better understand why are women more likely than men to have the disease
• Biomarkers such as certain proteins or genes could help doctors predict flares in lupus.
• Disease processes: researchers are exploring possible triggers for lupus. Examples include:
  • Biofilms, or protective coatings that surround some bacteria.
  • TREML4, a protein found on certain immune cells.
  • Viruses.
  • Hormones.
• Treatment: scientists are exploring how lupus develops and how therapies impact the course of the disease. They are also exploring drugs to prevent or delay kidney failure, one of the most serious and life-threatening complications of lupus.

Experts are also collaborating to develop registries and working groups, such as the

• Lupus Registry and Repository, which gathers medical information, as well as blood and tissue samples from patients and their relatives. This will help identify genes that make someone more at risk for the disease.
• A registry to collect information and blood samples from children affected by neonatal lupus, as well as their mothers. This will help improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lupus.
• Lupus Federal Working Group, which gathers experts across various public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and professional organizations.
• NIH Accelerating Medicines Partnership, which aims to reduce the time and cost of developing new diagnostics and therapies for diseases, including lupus.