Systemic lupus erythematosus: pathogenesis and targeted therapy

Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifaceted autoimmune disorder characterized by dysregulated immune responses and autoantibody production, which affects multiple organs and varies in clinical presentation and disease severity. The development of SLE is intricate, encompassing dysregulation within the immune system, a collapse of immunological tolerance, genetic susceptibilities to the disease, and a variety of environmental factors that can act as triggers. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of SLE and focuses on the progress and status of traditional and emerging treatment strategies for SLE. Traditional treatment strategies for SLE have mainly employed non-specific approaches, including cytotoxic and immunosuppressive drugs, antimalarials, glucocorticoids, and NSAIDs. These strategies are effective in mitigating the effects of the disease, but they are not a complete cure and are often accompanied by adverse reactions. Emerging targeted therapeutic drugs, on the other hand, aim to control and treat SLE by targeting B and T cells, inhibiting their activation and function, as well as the abnormal activation of the immune system. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE and the exploration of new targeted treatment strategies are essential to advance the treatment of this complex autoimmune disease.