Etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Research efforts of the last few years have mainly focused on basic molecular and cellular pathogenetic processes of the disease. Consequently, this paper reviews the etiopathogenetic hallmarks, such as impaired amount and presentation of nuclear antigens, production of antinuclear antibodies by T-cell-dependent B cell stimulation and organ damage by anti-dsDNA antibodies or immune complexes that are discussed at the present time. In summary, the hypothesis of a dysregulation of apoptotic cell clearance is strongly supported and broadly discussed. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.