Genetic study of lupus could lead to personalised therapy options

Research into the genetic background of lupus will open the door for personalised treatments for the disease in the future, experts claim in Arthritis and Rheumatology.

DNA sequencing was used by experts in Australia to identify a gene variant responsible for causing lupus in girl now aged 10 years old. A mutation in the girl’s TREX1 gene was identified, which caused her cells to produce a molecule called interferon-alpha, which contributed to the development of her lupus. 

Clinical trials are already underway for drugs to target interferon-alpha in adults, so the girl could benefit from the specific use of such therapies in the future.

It is becoming clearer that lupus is primarily caused by defects in only one or a few genes.

“Lupus is a heterogeneous disease and patients can experience a number of different symptoms,” explains Prof Carola Vinuesa, who is involved in the work “We believe that there are different genetic causes of lupus. Understanding these defective genes and pathways in each individual will help tailor treatments.”