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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
12:36
Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry
Published on: June 26, 2018
Cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus
Elaine V Lourenço1, Antonio La Cava
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1670, USA.
Current Molecular Medicine
|April 10, 2009
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves immune system imbalances. This review explores how cytokines impact SLE pathogenesis and evaluates cytokine-targeted therapies for lupus patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition.
- Autoantibodies form immune complexes, leading to inflammation and organ damage in SLE.
- Cytokines like interferons and interleukins play a role in SLE pathogenesis, while others like TNF have a debated role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the activity of various cytokines in SLE.
- To examine the effects of cytokines on immune cells in SLE pathogenesis.
- To discuss the potential and challenges of cytokine-based therapies in SLE clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cytokine activity in SLE.
- Analysis of immune cell responses to cytokines in lupus.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data for cytokine-targeting therapies.
Main Results:
- Specific cytokines significantly contribute to SLE immune imbalance and pathogenesis.
- Cytokine effects vary across different immune cells involved in SLE.
- Cytokine-based therapies show promise but face limitations in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are key players in SLE pathogenesis.
- Understanding cytokine roles is crucial for developing effective SLE treatments.
- Further research is needed to optimize cytokine-based therapies for lupus patients.
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