Link between Autoimmunity and Environmental Exposure Needs Further Research

Research in this area is providing a proof of concept, encouraging researchers to look at how genetic associations and candidate environmental factors come together in lupus patients, she said.

However, like other environmental exposure areas, there is still a great deal of research to be done. “There’s still so much we don’t know, even though significant advances are being made,” Dr. James said.

Vanessa Caceres is a freelance medical writer in Bradenton, Florida.