NIH conference. Systemic lupus erythematosus: evolving concepts.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease of unknown cause and protean manifestations, continues to excite substantial investigational interest. These papers bring together recent advances in concepts of its immunopathogenesis, evidence for a major genetic role in the causation of the process, developing systems for the morphologic assessment of its often fatal nephritis, and data from ongoing trials of cytotoxic drugs in its management.