Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system inaccurately attacks healthy tissues in the body. Symptoms vary depending on what tissues are attacked but may include painful joints, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth ulcers, fatigue, and facial rash. These symptoms often present intermittently with periods of remission followed by flare-ups and generalized inflammation.
The cause of lupus is unknown, but it is thought to involve both environmental factors as well as genetics.
There is no cure for SLE and side effects from pharmaceutical treatments can be quite severe. Common drugs include anti-inflammatories, immunomodulators, immunosuppressants, and steroids.
Researchers are looking to try and decrease the inflammation associated with lupus through the immunosuppressive properties of stem cells and their bioactive components. Currently, stem cell treatment aims to decrease the frequency of flare-ups and suppress the inflammation associated with SLE.
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