Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal immune activity resulting in the production of autoantibodies and associated immune complexes. The generation of a number of autoantibodies, particularly antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), is a hallmark of SLE. The disease can cause inflammation in multiple body systems either simultaneously or serially, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The exact cause of SLE is unknown; however, genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors, as well as infectious agents, have been implicated in the development of the disease. SLE is a remitting and relapsing disease, and over time, flare-ups can lead to irreversible damage to organs. The clinical course and prognosis of SLE varies between patients. Lupus nephritis is a significant complication involving the kidneys that occurs in around a third of SLE patients, and is one of the causes of early mortality in these patients. The availability of better therapies, dialysis, and kidney transplantation has decreased mortality rates due to kidney disease. Instead, heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the leading causes of mortality in lupus patients. 

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