An update on the genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus.

The development of systemic lupus erythematosus has a strong genetic basis. The techniques to study the genetics of SLE have improved, and family-based studies have been gaining importance due to advances in the human genome project. Recently, complete genome scans with microsatellite markers and linkage analysis have been performed in human systemic lupus erythematosus in various populations. These studies represent the first step of a process towards the identification of susceptibility genes in SLE. We review here the results of the human genome scans performed until now and provide an update of the latest advances on the genetics of SLE in linkage studies and association analyses of candidate genes.