Mechanisms by which SLE-Associated Genetic Variants Contribute to SLE Pathogenesis

Genetic association studies have identified a large number of loci linked to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The number of potential genes involved and the small relative risk each SLE-associated allele confers, indicate that genetic factors contribute to disease through complex mechanisms. The current paradigm proposes that the number and type of risk alleles present in each patient affects, to some extent, the severity of the disease and its clinical presentation. Accordingly, it is of utmost importance to identify the genetic elements that promote autoimmunity and understand the mechanisms through which they influence disease, in order to understand the pathogenic architecture conferred to each patient by his/her individual genetic load.

This Research Topic welcomes the submission of Original Research, Reviews, Perspective, Hypothesis and Theory, and Opinion articles that provide novel data or a novel point of view on the mechanisms that explain the contribution of risk alleles to the development or presentation of SLE.