Semaphorin 5A, Anti-Nucleosome Antibodies and Ferritin: Disease Activity Markers in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-factorial, chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by dysfunction of T and B lymphocytes. Although the prognosis of SLE has improved in the past few decades, the absence of biomarkers for residual activity in various organs and the early detection of disease flares hamper further management. Conventional serologic markers of SLE, such as anti-dsDNA and complement levels, are not ideal, as they are not sufficiently sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of the disease and monitoring of disease activity. Thus, novel biomarkers for SLE activity have to be developed. Semaphorin 5A (Sema 5A), antinuclosome antibody (Anu A) and ferritin may fall into this category of novel bio markers.