Figure 15. Paradigm of isoLG-induced immune activation in the development of SLE.

Within an antigen-presenting cell, intracellular ROS results in formation of reactive isoLGs (orange diamonds), which adduct to protein. Intracellular proteins are processed and presented on the cell surface to autoreactive T cells, which then migrate to peripheral tissues and directly injure peripheral tissues and contribute to the development of immune complexes. Within the nucleus, isoLG adducts to PU.1, resulting in C1q transcriptional repression. This results in DC activation and accumulation of extracellular apoptotic debris. This process leads to the manifestation of clinical SLE.