As we have discussed above, genes may raise your chances of having lupus. However, more research needs to be done to understand the link between genetics and lupus. So far, scientists have identified more than 50 genes (many of them being MHC genes) that are believed to influence a person’s chance of developing systemic lupus.
Lupus has also seems to run in families. However, research has shown that people tend to inherit a genetic predisposition where a mutation or a set of mutations increases an individuals chance of developing systemic lupus. However, studies with twins have shown that genetic mutations aren’t the sole factors or root cause. Research shows that when one identical twin has lupus, the other is 60% less likely to have it. Therefore, hormones and environmental factors must also be taken into consideration.