Interplay of Cytokines and Chemokines in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Problem statement: Dysbalance of T-helper-cell (Th) cytokines and chemokines was suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Recent reports suggest the involvement of cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of SLE, but their relationship with each other and particularly in the severity of disease, was not yet understood. We analyzed the interaction between cytokines and chemokines and their relationship with severity of disease in SLE. Approach: Serum levels of cytokines and chemokines were determined by ELISA and severity of disease were measured by by using SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score.