Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

There are several types of lupus disorders but the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), accounting for about 70% of all cases. The immune system is an army of white blood cells which fights off infection by recognising foreign bodies such as viruses and bacteria (antigens) and destroying them. Occasionally the immune system gets it wrong and tries to destroy healthy tissue - the body effectively tries to destroy itself. It is not known why the immune system cannot tell the difference between antigens and healthy tissue, but it gives rise to many well known conditions such a...