Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Genetics of SLE: functional relevance for monocytes/macrophages in disease
Jennifer C Byrne1, Joan Ní Gabhann, Elisa Lazzari
1Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics and RCSI Research Institute, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Genetic studies in the last 5 years have greatly facilitated our understanding of how the dysregulation of diverse components of the innate immune system contributes to pathophysiology of SLE. A role for macrophages in the pathogenesis of SLE was first proposed as early as the 1980s following the discovery that SLE macrophages were defective in their ability to clear apoptotic cell debris, thus prolonging exposure of potential autoantigens to the adaptive immune response. More recently, there is an emerging appreciation of the contribution both monocytes and macrophages play in orchestrating immune responses with perturbations in their activation or regulation leading to immune dysregulation. This paper will focus on understanding the relevance of genes identified as being associated with innate immune function of monocytes and macrophages and development of SLE, particularly with respect to their role in (1) immune complex (IC) recognition and clearance, (2) nucleic acid recognition via toll-like receptors (TLRs) and downstream signalling, and (3) interferon signalling. Particular attention will be paid to the functional consequences these genetic associations have for disease susceptibility or pathogenesis.
Insights
Genetic factors influencing innate immune cells like monocytes and macrophages are key to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development. Understanding these genes impacts SLE pathogenesis and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis involves innate immune system dysregulation.
- Macrophages have long been implicated in SLE due to impaired apoptotic debris clearance.
- Recent research highlights monocytes and macrophages in immune response orchestration, with dysregulation contributing to SLE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of genes associated with monocyte and macrophage innate immune function in SLE.
- To investigate how these genetic factors influence SLE pathogenesis.
- To focus on immune complex clearance, toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, and interferon signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic studies linking innate immune genes to SLE.
- Analysis of monocyte and macrophage functions in SLE.
- Focus on gene associations with immune complex recognition, TLRs, and interferon pathways.
Main Results:
- Genetic associations reveal critical roles for monocytes and macrophages in SLE.
- Dysregulation in immune complex clearance, TLR, and interferon signaling pathways contributes to SLE susceptibility.
- Specific genes impact disease pathogenesis through altered immune cell function.
Conclusions:
- Innate immune genes in monocytes and macrophages are significantly associated with SLE.
- Understanding these genetic links provides insights into SLE pathophysiology.
- Targeting these pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for SLE.
