Immunotherapy of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a remarkably heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease. Improved understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this disorder over the past two decades is now being applied to therapy, with treatment being directed at specific immunological targets. This review will focus on both new uses for established therapies as well as on the introduction of novel agents. It is premature to claim that any one agent has superior efficacy to current therapies. However, the willingness of investigators supported by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new products in controlled clinical trials may provide answers.