Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
What Is It?
Lupus is thought to develop when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Immune proteins called autoantibodies attack many different parts of the body causing inflammation and tissue damage. This may include the joints, skin, kidney, nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves), blood, heart, lungs, digestive system and eyes. Autoantibodies also can attach themselves to body chemicals, forming abnormal molecules called immune complexes that trigger additional inflammation and injury when they are deposited in various organs and tissues.
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About the Author
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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