5th June 2025

Pathophysiology

SLE is an auto-immune disease where high-affinity immunoglobulin G antibodies target double-stranded DNA as well as nuclear proteins. When there is rapid clearance of cells via apoptosis, the nuclear antigens do not have time to be exposed to the immune system and recognised as native. Failure of this process, along with other processes that ensure immune tolerance for nuclear antigens, results in antinuclear antibodies being produced. The complement system is activated, causing inflammation and tissue injury.