Whole Exome Sequencing in Early-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Five patients had homozygous alterations in genes coding early complement proteins. This may lead to decreased clearance of apoptotic bodies. One patient had <i>DNASE1L3</i> variant, which functions in the clearance of self-antigens. In 1 patient, we determined a novel gene that may be important in SLE pathogenesis. We suggest that monogenic causes/associations should be sought in early-onset and/or familial SLE.