Discovery of a genetic cause of lupus could lead to new treatments

Scientists sequenced the DNA of a 7-year-old girl with severe lupus, which suggests mutations to the gene TLR7 may cause the autoimmune condition

By Alice Klein

The DNA of a girl with a severe form of lupus may have helped uncover a genetic cause for the autoimmune condition.

Lupus, which affects about 5 million people worldwide, occurs when an overactive immune system mistakenly attacks the body, triggering inflammation that can cause joint pain, rashes and extreme fatigue.

The underlying cause of lupus is somewhat of a mystery, making it difficult to develop treatments. “Current treatments are not curative and often they can be toxic,” says Grant …