A Novel Target for Neutrophil NETosis in Lupus Skin Inflammation

Lupus patients develop skin rashes in response to sunlight and other triggers. immune cells called neutrophils promote these lesions by spewing out their DNA. Dr. Liu has discovered that a protein known as ROCK is crucial to this process. She and her team will now test whether blocking ROCK stops neutrophils from releasing their DNA, thereby reducing skin inflammation in mice that are prone to lupus. the results of their study could suggest new ways to reduce skin rashes in lupus patients.

What this study means for people with lupus

Skin rashes are common in lupus patients. Dr. Fan’s research will ask whether preventing certain immune cells from releasing their DNA curbs skin inflammation.