Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that may involve several organs. The disease is characterized by a recurring pattern of remission and flare. Immunologic factors seem to have important roles in the pathogenesis of SLE. Several studies revealed that cytokines are important in pathogenesis of this disorder. These cytokines include B-cell activating factor (BAFF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (IFN), interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, IL-10, IL-6 and IL-21. In this article, the role of cytokines and their encoding genes are described and therapeutic applications have been discussed briefly.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.