A brief insight into systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease which afflicts many systems. The precise pathogenesis is still unclear, but strong evidences sustain a multifactorial mechanism, based on the interaction of various genetic, epigenetic, environment, hormonal and immune-regulatory factors. Nowadays, the research interest focuses on cellular and molecular alterations, as results of the complexity of apoptotic process and immune responses acting as initiators and leading to tissue injury. The paper points out on key pathogenic cells, molecules and processes involved in SLE pathogenesis, namely B and T lymphocytes, mast cells, apoptosis, complement system and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]