What is a characteristic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

A characteristic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is that it is a chronic autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage. SLE can affect multiple systems within the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart, which contributes to its classification as a systemic disease. The chronic nature of SLE means that it can persist over time, with periods of flare-ups and remissions.

This autoimmune aspect is critical to understanding SLE, as it differentiates it from other health conditions. The impact of an overactive immune response explains many of the symptoms seen in SLE patients and aids in formulating appropriate treatment strategies that often focus on immunosuppression to reduce this aberrant immune activity.