Type C oncornavirus studies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The following paper critically reviews published evidence that concerns the occurence of viruses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Special emphasis is placed on the recent studies that implicate type C oncornaviruses. Evidence from our laboratory regarding the occurence of type C viruses in these patients is predominantly negative. It is concluded that the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus is almost certainly multifactorial and that the part that viruses play remains hypothetical.