Main description:

During the past 50 years, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been the main subject in the field of immunopathology. Each individual discovery was followed by the discovery of a multitude of related immune phenomena. This book reflects the present status of our understanding of this protean disease. Various animal models clearly show that different gene combinations can lead to the final clinical expression of SLE, with HLA class II genes probably responsible for the targeting of the autoimmune response. Similarly, research on cytokines in SLE patients has shown that SLE is a syndrome depending on different pathways. Finally, the question of prognosis is discussed. Fortunately, with every passing decade, the prognosis for patients with SLE gets better and better.

Contents:

Mechanisms of genetic control of murine systemic lupus erythematosus.- The role of cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of lupus.- The cytokine network in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and possible therapeutic implications.- Antibodies to CD45 and other cell membrane antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus.- Antigenic specificities of "antiphospholipid" autoantibodies.- Antiphospholipid antibodies and the antiphospholipid syndrome.- Lupus pregnancies and neonatal lupus.- Systemic lupus erythematosus in children.- Systemic lupus erythematosus - disease management.- Drug combination therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus.- Central nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: a new therapeutic approach with intrathecal dexamethasone and methotrexate.- Extracorporeal photochemotherapy for the treatment of lupus erythematosus: preliminary observations.- Immunological intervention reveals reciprocal roles for tumor necrosis factor-? and interleukin-10 in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.- Prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus.