Genes, Antibodies, and Cytokines in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Update of Potential Biomarkers

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology, with the broad range of antibodies affecting various organs and tissues, leading to rapid disability and even to lethal outcome. Our objective was to make an analysis of the results of relevant global studies about genetic mutations, spectrum of antibodies and cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. The search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar platforms using keywords “systemic lupus erythematosus”, “genetic mutations”, “autoantibodies”, “cytokine production”, “sequencing”, “NGS" and "exome". Several genes were found to be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, the majority of which were associated with B- and T-cell abnormal activation. The results of different studies revealed an association of active SLE with the increase in specific circulating autoantibodies. Based on the results of the current review, a preliminary list of autoantibodies, genes and cytokines associated with the development of SLE was prepared. Future directions will include the assessment of association of genes, antibodies and cytokines in SLE patients from the local Kazakh population, and the development of genetic-immunologic panel for the early diagnosis of this disease.