Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by diverse immunological abnormalities, together with clinical involvement of multiple organ systems. Over the last decade, there have been many advances in understanding the genetic and environmental contributions to the pathogenesis of SLE and the cellular and molecular basis for the loss of tolerance and generation of tissue damage. However, our increased knowledge has yet to translate into marked improvements in patient prognosis. Organ involvement, particularly of the kidney and brain, remain significant causes of morbidity and mortality in lupus patients. It is hoped that better targeted biologic therapies will contribute to improved clinical outcomes.

We invite authors to submit original basic, clinical, and translational research and review articles that contribute to the understanding of SLE, lupus-associated brain and renal involvement, and current and promising therapeutic approaches. We are interested in papers describing discoveries in genetic susceptibility, mechanisms pertaining to innate and adoptive immunity, the pathogenesis of brain, kidney, and other target organ involvement, and disease biomarkers. Papers addressing novel therapeutics, including drugs recently approved or in advanced clinical development, are welcome as well. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in lupus
• Toll-like receptors, alpha-interferon, cytokines, complement, and apoptosis in SLE
• Loss of self-tolerance in lupus
• SLE genetics, genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics
• Pathogenesis of renal disease and tissue damage in lupus
• Gender differences in the pathogenesis and outcome of lupus nephritis
• Ethnic considerations in treatment and prognosis of lupus nephritis
• New spontaneous and induced models of lupus-associated organ involvement
• Pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE
• Novel imaging techniques in CNS lupus
• Biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostication, and monitoring treatment
• New biologic and nonbiologic approaches to treat organ involvement in SLE

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: