How can viral infections be involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus?

While the exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unknown, evidence suggests that viral infections may play a significant role in its development.1

Researchers believe that viruses may act as the ultimate source of the antigenic stimulation that triggers the production of autoantibodies—the hallmark of the disease. Specifically, individuals infected with the Epstein-Barr virus have been shown to have an increased risk of developing SLE.12

In individuals with a genetic predisposition, environmental stimuli such as viral infections can trigger a severe immune response. This process involves a breakdown of the immune system's normal function, leading to the formation of immune complexes that deposit in tissues and cause inflammation and organ damage. While the precise mechanisms are still being studied, these infections are considered potential environmental triggers that may initiate the autoimmune process in susceptible people.23