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Immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: biology and traditional Chinese medicine therapy

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica volume 46, pages 2587–2596 (2025)Cite this article

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive breakdown of immune tolerance to self-antigens, resulting in multiple tissue damage and clinical symptoms. Innate and adaptive immune cells including dendritic cells, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T cells and B cells are the key drivers in perpetuating and amplifying of this systemic disease. In this review we offer a comprehensive overview of recent advances in understanding the immune-pathogenesis of SLE with particular emphasis on regulatory immune cells exhibiting immunosuppressive properties, as well as newly identified factors influencing immune cell function and lineage differentiation. Furthermore, we discuss traditional Chinese medicine and natural extracts that have shown therapeutic effects on SLE by modulating immune cell differentiation and function, which may provide insights into their clinical applications.

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Fig. 1: A comprehensive overview of the principal immune cells implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Fig. 2: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its extracts target immune cells for the treatment of SLE.

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Acknowledgements

This work was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82204487) and Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (No. 22ZR1414700).

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  1. These authors contributed equally: Ya-nan Liang, Luo Chen, Qing-yu Huang, Yu-ting Song

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China

    Ya-nan Liang, Luo Chen, Yu-ting Song, Tong-qing Chen, Jia-hui Ni, Dong Wang, Xiao-yan Shen & Yan You

  2. Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China

    Qing-yu Huang & Yi-ming Wang

  3. Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China

    Yu-juan Fan

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  1. Ya-nan Liang
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Liang, Yn., Chen, L., Huang, Qy. et al. Immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: biology and traditional Chinese medicine therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 46, 2587–2596 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-025-01554-2

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