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Researchers discover genetic pathway in lupus

Researchers have identified a genetic “signature,” a series of genes that are activated by interferon in patients with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is the first time a signature pattern of gene expression has been identified in an autoimmune disease. The identification of this genetic signature may be used in the future to help diagnose lupus, predict the development of serious disease, and perhaps most importantly in treatment decisions.

Valium-like drug helps treat lupus

A cousin to the anti-anxiety drug Valium has been shown in mice to reduce some of the symptoms associated with lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. “The best available therapies for lupus haven’t changed for many, many years,” says U-M’s Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., one of the lead authors on the study. “It’s a disease where the mechanisms that normally prevent the immune system from attacking components of one’s own body are defective. Because we do not yet understand what triggers lupus, it has been very difficult to develop lupus-specific therapies.”