COURSE XII: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are two well known and sometimes devastating autoimmune conditions. With a predilection for joints, the autoimmune process is systemic, affecting a range of organ systems. This lesson takes a detailed look at the clinical manifestation of these disorders and the pathophysiology. We then consider the patterns of dysregulation and imbalance that may underlie, bringing together the content covered in previous lessons and introducing some new insights, particularly in relation to infectious triggers of an autoimmune process.