What causes SLE?
SLE is an auto-immune disease. The immune system normally makes antibodies to attack bacteria, viruses, and other ‘germs’. In people with auto-immune diseases the immune system makes abnormal antibodies which may cause inflammation in parts of the body, or attack part or parts of the body. This can cause symptoms and may damage the affected parts of the body. There are many auto-immune diseases. The symptoms of each disease depend on which part or parts of the body are affected by the immune system. In people with SLE, antibodies are made which cause inflammation and damage to tissues in various parts of the body. This is why SLE can cause many different symptoms in different parts of the body. It is not known why SLE or other auto-immune diseases occur. Some factor may trigger the immune system to make the abnormal antibodies. Possible triggers include: viruses, infection, medicines, sunlight, or other environmental factors. Hormone changes may play a role in SLE which may explain why
