Immunopathological Roles of Cytokines, Chemokines, Signaling Molecules, and Pattern-Recognition Receptors in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology affecting more than one million individuals each year. It is characterized by B- and T-cell hyperactivity and by defects in the clearance of apoptotic cells and immune complexes. Understanding the complex process involved and the interaction between various cytokines, chemokines, signaling molecules, and pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) in the immune pathways will provide valuable information on the development of novel therapeutic targets for treating SLE. In this paper, we review the immunopathological roles of novel cytokines, chemokines, signaling molecules, PRRs, and their interactions in immunoregulatory networks and suggest how their disturbances may implicate pathological conditions in SLE.

4-Octyl Itaconate Activates Nrf2 Signaling to Inhibit Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

“…Imbalances between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines play an essential role in the pathogenesis of SLE [1,3,5,36]. Studies have shown that several key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, are significantly increased in the serum of SLE patients [4,5].…”

“…Studies have shown that several key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, are significantly increased in the serum of SLE patients [4,5]. Elevations of these pro-inflammatory cytokines correlate with disease progression [1,3,5,36]. More importantly, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels are dramatically elevated in SLE patients with lupus nephritis [5][6][7]36].…”

Altered release of chemokines by phagocytes from fibromyalgia patients: a pilot study

“…They increase sensitivity to pain by direct action of their receptors expressed in nociceptive neurons, 3 and also serve to regulate the inflammatory response, acting simultaneously on elements of the nervous system, 4,5 suggesting an important role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia (FM). [5][6][7] According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), FM is defined as the presence of widespread pain and tenderness at 11 or more of 18 specific tender point sites. 8 Thus, core symptoms of the FM include pain, fatigue, and mood and sleep disturbances.…”

Evaluation of Sleep Quality by Actigraphy in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

“…Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by the production of several autoantibodies, where an imbalance between the action of B and T lymphocytes lead to attacks on the nucleus and cell membrane [1]. Despite the unknown origins, its etiology is multifactorial, since some factors such as genetic, hormonal, environmental, and infectious can favor its appearance [2].…”

“…The presence of cytokines, responsible for the inflammatory process, disease activity, the chronic use of corticosteroids that affect the sleepwake cycle, psychological factors, and disability in valued life activities, can impair sleep quality, increase levels of pain and fatigue, and worsen depressive mood, causing work withdrawals, help to be required to perform simple tasks (such as cleaning the house), abandonment of social activities, and isolation with a consequent negative impact on perception of quality of life [1,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”