How Lupus Occurs in the Brain
How Lupus Occurs in the Brain
Patients with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have poor outcomes despite aggressive treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. In a study published this past June in JCI Insight, Chaim Putterman, M.D., and colleagues identified how SLE develops in the central nervous system (CNS) independent of its occurrence elsewhere in the body.
The scientists found that the immune system forms a tertiary lymphoid structure—which functions like a lymph node—deep within the brain. The newly discovered structure may be the route through which the immune system promotes CNS lupus. The findings may lead to new therapies for CNS lupus, which is extremely difficult to treat.
Dr. Putterman is a professor of medicine and of microbiology & immunology at Einstein and chief of rheumatology at Einstein and Montefiore.
The Issue at a Glance
Highlights
- The Search for Autism Therapies
- Collaborating to Cure Cancers
- No Insurance? No Problem for ECHO Clinic
- An Out-of-This-World NASA Clerkship
Features
Campus News
- Dr. Cuervo Elected to National Academy of Sciences
- Dr. Cabana Named New Chair of Pediatrics
- Drs. Berman and Cunningham Give Presidential Lecture
- Tenure for 16 Einstein Professors
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN Speaks at Einstein’s Commencement
- Forbes Ranks Einstein Among Nation’s Best Midsize Employers
- Einstein M.D./Ph.D. Student Wins Lasker Essay Contest
- Dr. Benfield Named First Diversity and Inclusion Chief
