First lupus breakthrough in 50 years

A Monash researcher has played a crucial role in the first major lupus treatment breakthrough for over 50 years.

Professor Fabienne Mackay Head of the Department of Immunology at Monash University, discovered a new factor in the development of the disease, something known as BAFF - B cell Activating Factor.

Professor Fabienne Mackay, Head of the Department of Immunology at Monash University

It has led directly to the development of a medication called Benlysta, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Authority for release last month.

Professor Mackay explains that B cells make antibodies for invaders such as bacteria and other foreign bodies, like pollen.

''BAFF helps B cells survive, which is a good thing. But if there is too much BAFF, then there can be an overproduction of B cells and they hang about for longer than they should - in particular B cells that are normally meant to die because they are harmful. Autoimmunity will be initiated, and this is how the immune system ends up attacking the body's own cells,'' Professor Mackay said.

Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting about five million people worldwide. An autoimmune problem is one where the body's immune system attacks the body itself.  In the case of lupus, the immune system attacks connective tissue in the joints, lungs, kidneys and heart, causing joint and skin diseases in most patients, and organ and blood disorders in about half of lupus sufferers.