Signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by a breakdown in immune tolerance leading to the development of auto reactive lymphocytes and autoantibodies. Recent findings have provided new insight on the role of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family (SLAMF) receptors, a group of nine co-regulatory molecules involved in the activation of hematopoietic cells, and their downstream protein SLAM-associated protein (SAP), into the pathogenesis of SLE. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SLAMF in human SLE immunopathogenesis, and the importance of SLAMF molecules as new therapeutic targets.