Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: from Pathogenesis to New Targeted Therapies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs or systems. The etiology of SLE is complex, involving molecular genetics, epigenetics, innate immunity, acquired immunity, race, hormone and environmental factors. Recent progress in fine immunophenotyping, GWAS, single cell sequencing and multiomics analysis has enabled a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE. Various monoclonal antibodies or small molecule drugs targeting immune cells, costimulatory molecules, cytokines or signal transduction pathways, and CART cell immunotherapy have been developed or even applied in clinical treatment. The approval of belizumab, telitacicept, anifrolumab and voclosporin for SLE has given clinicians, researchers and patients greater confidence and more treatment options for patients with moderate to severe SLE, especially those with refractory SLE.