A Closer Look at Lupus: Scientists hone in on how Lupus operates within the body

It is rare that we have the opportunity to get an inside look into how a chronic condition operates within the body.  Most of these illnesses exhibit severe, debilitating symptoms, but have no concrete cause.  We are often left to opine as to whether the disease is caused by biological, genetic, or environmental factors.  What makes the lack of a cause so challenging is that it directly impacts treatment options, as well as potential cures.  Doctors and researchers are left to treat the symptoms rather than honing in on the underlying cause.  Lupus is one of the conditions that appears to have mysterious beginnings and is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other health problems.  Researchers have recently made new strides in recognizing the mechanisms behind lupus, however, that may change not only its diagnosis, but its treatment as well.

According to Science Daily, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology and the University of Erlangen have discovered how the disease operates within the body.  This discovery may lead to better diagnosis of the disease, as well as treatment options for patients who otherwise may die from kidney failure.  They knew that those with lupus had antibodies that attack their own bodies.  They did not know, however, what the exact immune mechanism behind the attack was and whether there was hope for controlling it if it did exist.  The team found that in a normal healthy individual, the body’s white blood cells produce nets that trap and kill pathogens from an invading infection.  In lupus patients, however, the nets are composed of proteins, DNA, and white blood cells which are then attacked by antibodies.  As such, when an infection presents itself, these nets, which are supposed to fight the problem are instead being attacked themselves by antibodies.  After an infection passes, these nets and antibodies are then deposited in the kidneys, causing major health problems and sometimes over time, death.

This discovery may lead researchers to create a better diagnostic tool for lupus, as well as an array of new treatment options.  Most lupus patients die because of kidney failure so understanding exactly why the disease is harmful to the kidneys is very helpful.  What’s more is being able to isolate the mechanism will help researchers and doctors alike to focus on that area rather than medicating the entire body and hoping for a positive outcome.

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