Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Current and Future Pathogenesis-Directed Therapies

Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Mar 27;93(1):81-95. eCollection 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disease of the skin with significant morbidity. Current treatments are often inadequate to control disease and there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies for this potentially debilitating disease, underscoring an unmet medical need. Recent insights into disease pathogenesis have implicated innate and adaptive immune components, including type I and type III interferons in the development of CLE. Promising clinical trials based on these insights are now underway. However, the full spectrum of immune cells, cytokines, and environmental triggers contributing to disease remain to be elucidated. In this review, we will highlight the current understanding of CLE immunopathogenesis, the ongoing clinical trial landscape, and provide a framework for designing future therapeutic strategies for CLE based on new insights into disease pathogenesis.

Keywords: cutaneous lupus erythematosus; discoid lupus; systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Immunity* / drug effects
  • Immunity* / immunology
  • Immunologic Factors* / classification
  • Immunologic Factors* / pharmacology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous* / epidemiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous* / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous* / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous* / therapy
  • Skin / immunology

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors