Brigham Young University

"Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus "

Brian D. Poole, PhD

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is a complex, often debilitating or fatal autoimmune disease. Lupus is a disease that strikes in the prime of life, and primarily a affects women, with nine times more women affected than men. Between 181,000 and 322,000 people in the United States are affected. The causes of lupus are unclear, although genetic factors have been identified.  The purpose of our research is to identify how those genetic risk factors contribute to lupus on a molecular level. We hope that this research will lead to better early intervention or treatment for lupus patients.