Researchers at Imperial College London have revealed crucial insights into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Previous studies from the same Imperial College researchers have suggested that immune cells called CD8 T cells, which normally help to destroy threats to the body such as viruses, appear to malfunction in SLE patients. This may play a role in the immune system spiralling out of control.

Professor Marina Botto, lead author and Head of the Department of Immunology and Inflammation at Imperial, explained: ‘The type I interferons are known to be produced by the body during virus infections. Although the initial trigger for lupus remains unknown, the condition could be sustained by viral infections that trigger an expansion of the CD8 T cells. Here we show that the type I interferons cause the cellular power stations, called mitochondria, to malfunction. This malfunction of the mitochondria reduces the life-span of the CD8 T cells and may fuel the disease.’

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