Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by injury to the skin, joints, kidneys, and serosal membranes. It most commonly affects women between the ages of 20-40 at a rate of 1 in 700 people, with a female to male ratio of 9:1 during childbearing years. The disease is caused by antibodies targeting the body's own cells and tissues, forming immune complexes that can damage organs. Symptoms range from skin rashes to joint pain to kidney problems. Certain medications, UV light, sex hormones, and genetic factors may contribute to increased risk. ANA and antibodies against double-stranded DNA, histones, and other nuclear antigens

1. SYSTEMIC LUPUS
ERYTHEMATOSUS

2.  Acute or insidious in onset;
 Chronic remitting relapsing illness
characterized by injury to skin,joints,kidney &
serosal membranes
 Most common immunologic disorder to
affect females, age 20-40, [1 in 700; F:M (child
bearing age group) = 9:1; in childhood & old
age 2:1]

3. Nucleosomal Proteins
& other self antigens
B cell activity
Immune complex and
autoantibody mediated
tissue injury
Clinical manifestations
Drugs (hydralazine,
Procainamide,
D-penicillamine)
UV light
Sex hormones
Family members have
increased risk
Increased incidence in
Identical twins
DQ
C2, C4, C1q Decreased
ANA,
RBC, WBC & platelet
Antibodies
Anti-phospholipid
antibodies
Pathogenesis
RBC, WBC &
platelet Antibodies
Elicit type II
reaction
Large numbers of
circulating immune
complexes make SLE a
prototypical type III
hypersensitivity disease

5. Types of ANA
• Antibodies to dsDNA.
– Rim or peripheral staining pattern with IF; Highly
specific for SLE; Associated with active renal
disease.
• Antibodies to histones.
– Homogeneous or diffuse staining with IF;
Particularly common in drug induced SLE.

6. Types of ANA
• Antibodies to non-histones proteins bound to RNA
(Sm antigen, RNP, SS-A, SS-B etc.,).
– Speckled pattern on IF; Sm antigen is specific for SLE; SS-B
is associated with low risk of nephritis; SS-A is seen in
sabacute cutaneous LE; SS-A & SS-B are seen in Sjogren’s.
• Antibodies to nucleolar antigen.
– A few discrete spots on IF; Specific for scleroderma

7. Highly
Specific
For SLE
Drug induced
SLE
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)

8. Thank you