Antiphospholipid Antibodies as Key Players in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Relationship with Cytokines and Immune Dysregulation

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 20;25(20):11281. doi: 10.3390/ijms252011281.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an overproduction of cytokines, such as interleukins and interferons, contributing to systemic inflammation and tissue damage. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a thrombo-inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting a third of SLE patients. We performed an in-depth analysis of the available literature, and we highlighted the complex interplay between immunity, inflammation, and thrombosis, the three major pathogenic pathways that are trapped in a mutually reinforcing destructive loop.

Keywords: antiphospholipid antibodies; antiphospholipid syndrome; immunity; inflammation; systemic lupus erythematosus; thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid* / immunology
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome* / immunology
  • Cytokines* / immunology
  • Cytokines* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / immunology
  • Thrombosis / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Cytokines

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.