Toxicogenomics — A novel opportunity to probe lupus susceptibility and pathogenesis

While no single trigger can be identified as the leading cause of autoimmunity, an interplay of factors, including genetic susceptibility, infection and chemical exposure, are thought to play a role. Lupus can be caused by a wide array of medications taken for a variety of reasons in genetically predisposed individuals. Despite significant therapeutic progress, the precise mechanisms that lead to loss of lymphocyte tolerance to self-antigens in lupus remain under scrutiny. Mounting evidence supports the view that epigenetic alterations contribute to the emergence of pathogenic autoreactivity. In parallel, current research aims at understanding how different classes of biomolecules interact in response to exposure to drugs that induce lupus. Toxicogenomic evaluations could provide early indicators of potential safety assessment issues, and could permit the identification of diagnostic genetic and/or epigenetic expression patterns.