Look into the Future

Lupus

Research Opportunity		Forecast
Identify genes that affect susceptibility and disease severity		New molecular targets for disease expression Specific therapy targeting susceptibility genes Risk assessment profiles in therapeutic decisions
Identify gene expression "signatures" for early immune activation		New molecular targets for disease expression New therapies tailored to specific pathways Individualization of therapeutic plan with early, effective treatment
Identify novel receptors involved in activation or apoptosis		Selective blockade or deletion of activated cells
Identify receptors involved in removal of apoptotic material		Therapeutic agonists to correct deficiencies
Identify mechanisms affecting immune system gene expression		Modulation of proinflammatory gene products
Develop gene transfer vectors for consistent expression of deficient genes		Therapy to down-regulate the immune response

Author: Robert P. Kimberly, MD, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham