This review briefly defines the heat shock proteins (hsps), their classification and their functions. The hypothesis that links hsps to the development of autoimmunity is explored, together with the rationale for investigation of the relationship between hsps and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus, published work on this subject falls into three main categories: the overexpression of hsps in SLE, the development of autoantibodies to hsps in SLE, and the surface expression of hsps in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in SLE. This work is reviewed in detail. In conclusion, we describe areas for further study and outline ways in which this is being approached.