Some patients have a strong genetic predisposition to lupus and need very little environmental stimulation to initiate the diseas, while others with a very slight genetic predisposition need significant stimulation from an outside source before developing the disease. Antihistone antibodies are seldom found in other autoimmune diseases. These serologic abnormalities are found more frequently in female relatives of lupus patients than in males. An environmental stimulus could tip the balance between wellness and lupus. Lupus patients seem to have greater stimulation of B cells than healthy individuals.
B cells produce antibodies.
In lupus, the B cells seem to be abnormal, able to create larger than normal amounts of antibody. The greater the stimulus to B cells, the greater the risk of developing disease or experiencing a disease flare. Overproduction of these autoantibodies can lead to inflammation in the kidneys and other vital organs. This antigen is recognized by the helper T cell to which it binds much the same way a specific key fits into a specific lock. Some organisms can infect cells and interfere with their normal activities and responses.