Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease which can involve every organ system of the human body. In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission.

Lupus is the prototypic autoimmune disease and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus examines the entire field of autoimmunity by looking at lupus. There is no other book in the field which carefully covers scientific research, clinical findings, organ system involvement and treatment between its two covers. The fifth edition continues to serve as a vital translational reference for specialists in the diagnosis and management of patients with SLE, and as a key a tool for the measurement of clinical activity for pharmaceutical development and basic research of the disease and a reference work for hospital libraries.