PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND ITS IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Abstract
This study aims to characterize the immunological aspects and pathophysiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It is an integrative review, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted in April 2026. The research was carried out in the MEDLINE, SciELO, and IBECS databases via BVS. Studies published between 2020 and 2026, available in full text, in Portuguese and English, that addressed the immunological and pathophysiological aspects of SLE were included. After careful application of the eligibility criteria and analysis of the studies, seven articles were selected to compose the final sample. According to the studies, its pathophysiology results from the interaction between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, with emphasis on the activation of the type I interferon pathway (IFN-I), recognized as central to amplifying the immune response. In this context, IFN-I activity, especially IFN-α, is associated with disease activity, clinical manifestations, and serological profile, standing out as a relevant biomarker for the evaluation and monitoring of SLE. It was found that advances in the understanding of immunological mechanisms and the development of targeted therapies are essential for a more effective and humane management of the disease.
Author Biographies
Graduated in Nursing from the Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.
Medical student at Centro Universitário Unieuro, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil.
Medical student at the University of Rio Verde (UniRV), Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil.
Undergraduate student in Biomedicine at the University of São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil.
Medical student at Universidad del Pacífico (UP), Pedro Juan Caballero, Amambay, Paraguay.
Medical student at Faculdade Zarns, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Graduated in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (FACIMED), Cacoal, Rondônia, Brazil.
Postgraduate student in Urgency, Emergency and ICU at the Centro Educacional de Ensino Superior de Patos (UNiFiP), Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
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