AMJ Podcast | Episode 7: Inside SLE Immunology: Understanding Key Disease Pathways

This podcast has been funded by an educational grant from Viatris. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, heterogeneous disease shaped by dysregulated immune pathways, variable organ involvement, and substantial patient burden. In this educational podcast, Anca Askanase explores how a deeper understanding of SLE immunology can help rheumatologists contextualize disease activity, evolving research, and guideline-based care. Topics covered: Key immune pathways involved in SLE pathophysiology, including innate and adaptive immune dysregulation  How pathway biology may help explain clinical heterogeneity and differences in disease activity between patients  What rheumatologists should consider when interpreting emerging pathway-based research and cross-disease immunology concepts  How current guideline-based care frames treatment goals, patient burden, and the evolving focus on remission in SLE  Speakers Anca D. Askanase, Chair, Department of Medicine, and Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA