Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents the paradigm of systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations and the production of multiple autoantibodies. The diagnosis is based on the clinical features along with the presence of a wide variety of autoantibodies, most of which are directed against double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), nuclear antigens, ribonucleoproteins, and cell surface antigens. The treatment relies on antimalarials, corticosteroids, conventional immunosuppressors, and new biological agents.