Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2025, Vol. 58 ›› Issue (8): 715-728.doi: 10.35541/cjd.20250136

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Lupus erythematosus research: current status and challenges

Lu Qianjin, Cao Shumei, Jiang Jiao   

  1. Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China 
  • Received:2025-03-17 Revised:2025-06-16 Online:2025-08-15 Published:2025-08-05
  • Contact: Lu Qianjin E-mail:qianlu5860@pumcderm.cams.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC3601800); National Natural Science Foundation of China (82430102, 32141004); Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2020-RC320-003); CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2021-I2M-1-059); The Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province (2022RC4026)

Abstract: 【Abstract】 Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a spectrum of autoimmune diseases with complex and highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations. At one end of the spectrum lies cutaneous LE, which is limited to the skin, while at the other end is systemic LE (SLE), which affects multiple organs and systems. The pathogenesis of LE involves the interplay of multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, hormonal influences, and immune dysregulation. In recent years, emerging mechanisms such as metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut microbiota dysbiosis have provided new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of LE. Additionally, the discovery of novel biomarkers and the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies have opened new avenues for early diagnosis and precise classification of LE. In terms of treatment, the introduction of biologic agents has marked a significant breakthrough in managing SLE patients who respond poorly to conventional therapies. However, LE research still faces multiple challenges, including incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis, difficulties in early diagnosis, and insufficient personalized treatment approaches. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current status and major challenges in LE research, focusing on advances in elucidation of pathogenesis, discovery of biomarkers, as well as development of precision diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic strategies.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus, cutaneous, Lupus erythematosus, systemic, Autoimmunity, Biomarkers, Targeted therapeutic strategies