The production of these antibodies arises by means of complex mechanisms involving every key facet of the immune system. While the classic lupus rash is a redness on the cheeks (malar blush) often brought on by sun exposure, many different types of rashes can be seen in systemic lupus erythematosus. SLE causes damage to many different parts of the body, including fluid around the heart (pericarditis), endocarditis, or inflammation of the heart (myocarditis).
Patients with SLE have higher titers of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have increased circulating EBV viral loads, and make antibodies to retroviruses, including to protein regions homologous to nuclear antigens. In healthy people, autoantibodies tend to be well-regulated and well “masked,” or covered up, until needed.
