Although the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents such as
cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate has led to reduced mortality in systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE), there is a need for development of new biologic agents to improve
outcomes further. The pathogenesis of SLE involves many components of the immune
system, notably B cells, T cells, cytokines and innate immunity, which are potential targets for
the new biologic therapies. In this study, the rationale for the development of new therapies …