New insights into the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): the role of apoptosis

In recent years disturbances in the process of apoptosis and the clearance of apoptotic cells have been put forward as fundamental in the development of autoimmunity. In this review we will discuss the data which supply evidence for this theory. We will focus on SLE as the prototype of autoimmune disease and will review both animal studies and clinical studies in SLE patients. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.