Apoptosis of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Studies on Serum Induction and Complement-Dependent Clearance Mechanisms
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving many organ systems. The cause is not known, but a complex combination of environmental and genetic factors seems to be involved. In SLE upregulation of type I interferons, a hyperactive B-cell response, presence of autoantibodies against modified nuclear components, increased complement consumption, increased apoptosis and decre