Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that damages multiple organs. Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been a mainstay of the treatment of SLE, but it is strongly recommended to minimize GCs usage due to the toxicity of long-term use. Currently, development of molecular-targeted therapies based on pathological mechanisms is underway. Activation of B cells through T-B cell interaction play a central role in the pathogenesis, and treatments targeting B cells and co-stimulatory molecules are expected. In addition, many disease susceptibility genes are mediated in signaling by the innate immune mechanisms, such as dendritic cells involvement and cytokines production that stimulates acquired immunity, as well as kinases of intracellular signaling molecules that are described as targets. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to target CD19 antigen by gene transfer of chimeric antigen receptor and by T cell engagers that recruit T cells and induce B cell cytotoxicity gather attention.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus nephritis

Biological agent

Targeted therapy

CAR-T therapy

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