New gene implicated in lupus

A new gene variant linked to autoimmune response, known as TNFAIP3, is another link in the chain (literally) to stopping lupus. The variant was discovered by Patrick Gaffney, M.D., and Kathy Moser, Ph.D., of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and has been shown to be one cause of preventing the immune system from turning itself off. In those without lupus, the gene produces a protein that lets the body know to shut down the immune response, but in those with lupus, it is thought that the gene either doesn't produce enough of the protein or produces an inferior protein. Of course, there are many genetic factors contributing to lupus, but it looks as we can count this as one more piece of the puzzle in finding a cure. For more about genes and lupus, visit the Lupus About site.