May is Lupus Awareness Month! Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a complex autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage throughout the body. Nearly 90% of lupus diagnoses occur in women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the CDC. Although the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, researchers believe genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors all play a role.

At MMRI, scientists, including those in Dr. Maria Kontaridis’ Lab, are working every day to better understand the underlying causes of lupus and why the immune system becomes dysregulated. Through innovative research, our investigators are studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive autoimmune disease, with the goal of developing more effective therapies and, ultimately, cures for those living with lupus.

Lupus is unpredictable, painful, and often invisible to others. Those living with the disease often face chronic fatigue, joint pain, organ damage, and other life-altering complications. Despite its impact on millions worldwide, lupus research remains critically underfunded. That is why support from our community and members like you is so important.

Research breakthroughs do not happen overnight, and our researchers do not stop working when Lupus Awareness Month ends. Continued donor support allows MMRI scientists to pursue groundbreaking discoveries, invest in advanced technologies, and accelerate progress toward better treatments for those affected by lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

This Lupus Awareness Month, we invite you to stand with MMRI and help advance groundbreaking research. Your generosity directly supports the work happening in our laboratories and brings hope to those with lupus and families searching for answers. To make a donation and support lupus research at MMRI, please click HERE.

To view our most recent seminar from the Health & Science Made Simple series about our lupus research, click HERE.