The immune system is made up of different parts that help fight off invading germs, such as viruses and bacteria. One of the ways the immune system does this is to make proteins called antibodies that attack these invaders. If someone has lupus, something goes wrong, and their immune system makes antibodies that attack the healthy cells in their body. Because of this, lupus is called an autoimmune disease (or a self-immune disease). There is currently no known cause or cure for lupus.
Lupus causes inflammation that can damage different parts of the body (e.g. the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart). This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including painful joints, extreme tiredness, cognitive issues, and physical impairments, which may come and go, and different symptoms may appear at different times.
In the United States, it is estimated that at least 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus. Globally, it is believed that 5 million people have a form of lupus. Lupus mostly affects women of childbearing age (15–44 years of age), but men, children, and teens can also develop lupus. There is also a link between race and lupus, e.g. people of African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American descent have a higher chance of developing lupus.
There are opportunities for people with lupus and healthy volunteers to contribute to lupus clinical research, and potentially change the future treatment of this life-limiting condition.
The resources below provide further information on lupus and advice on taking part in clinical research.