What cause lupus erythematosus?

Answer 1

What Are Researchers Trying to Learn About Lupus?Current lupus research projects include:

• A Specialized Center of Research in Lupus at the University of Virginia School of Medicine
• A Lupus Registry and Repository that researchers across the country can utilize to help identify genes that determine susceptibility to the disease
• A Neonatal Lupus Registry that researchers across the country can utilize to research data and genetic information on neonatal lupus
• Funding for The Lupus Federal Working Group-to focus on lupus research progress
• Research studies to better understand:
  • Genetics-genes that are associated with susceptibility to lupus or play a role in the development of lupus
  • Biomarkers-something that can be found in cells or tissues that predicts lupus flares or lupus disease process
  • The lupus disease process-how it affects different organs, how it behaves in its earliest clinical manifestations
  • Treatments, such as the medication rituximab, which lowers the number of white blood cells that produce antibodies
  • Overcoming barriers that tend to keep some populations from complying with prescribed treatment.

Answer 2

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. There are specific genes that are thought to predispose individuals who may get Lupus.

The normal body's immune system acts like an army, defending the organism from invaders such as bacteria, fungus and viruses. It also helps heal the body by causing temporary inflammation at the site of a wound. In this army there are cells that direct like Generals, and cells that do the work of destroying the invaders, like troops in the army.

In autoimmunity, the body's army of defenders doesn't have enough Generals to tell the well-armed troops what to do. Because the troops lack instruction and direction, they begin attacking the body's normal cells in an act of *friendly fire*. Inflammation runs rampant and uncontrolled, and damage occurs.

The troops involved in this process are called Antibodies.

All autoimmune diseases have one thing in common: The errant immune system. Each different autoimmune disease has their own specific antibodies attacking specific parts and organs in the body.

Lupus is determined by looking at the type of antibodies present in the blood and looking at what part of the body they are attacking.