New insights into why the sun makes lupus patients sick

by Valerie Goodwin, University of Michigan

edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan

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Researchers from University of Michigan Health have mapped the cellular path of inflammation after UV exposure in lupus patients.

The skin of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as lupus, produces increased inflammatory mediators after UV exposure, making sun avoidance necessary. These changes occur at a cellular level and are not well understood.

In research published in Science Translational Medicine, the U-M Health Kahlenberg Lab used single-cell RNA sequencing to define the immune response to UVB wavelengths in nonlesional, sun-protected skin from patients with lupus. The lab identified monocyte-derived dendritic cell infiltration as a common response in both HC and SLE skin.

"This study is the first to dig into lupus sun sensitivity at the single-cell level. It identifies that lupus skin exhibits a hyperinflammatory response to ultraviolet light centered around too much production of interferons," stated Michelle Kahlenberg, M.D., Ph.D., vice chair of research for the Department of Internal Medicine and Michael H. and Maricia S. Klein professor of rheumatic disease at U-M Health.

"This leads to vascular activation and recruitment and inflammatory skewing of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, which may be an important step in causing lupus rashes. This study identifies some critical pathways that can be targeted to prevent photosensitivity and the rashes and systemic flares that follow."

Researchers at the Kahlenberg Lab will continue to expand their knowledge of this tool to improve care and treatment for lupus patients.

Publication details

Mitra P. Maz et al, Myeloid infiltration and epidermal dysregulation characterize cutaneous photosensitivity in systemic lupus erythematosus, Science Translational Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adw1914

Journal information: Science Translational Medicine

Key medical concepts

Systemic lupus erythematosusInterferons

Clinical categories

RheumatologyDermatologyCommon illnesses & Prevention Provided by University of Michigan Who's behind this story?

Gaby Clark

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