Abstract: The invention provides methods for stabilizing or improving the health-related quality of life in individuals with SLE, and methods of selecting individuals suitable for such treatment. One method of stabilizing or improving the health-related quality of life of an individual with SLE involves the administration of an effective amount of dsDNA epitope, such as in the form of an epitope-presenting carrier or an epitope-presenting valency platform molecule like LJP 394, to the individual. The invention further provides a method of stabilizing or improving the health-related quality of life of an individual with SLE involving the reduction of the level of SLE-associated antibodies in the individual, optionally through administration of a dsDNA epitope to the individual. In addition, methods of screening patients are provided. Kits useful in the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating SLE including renal SLE and methods of reducing risk of renal flare in individuals with SLE, and methods of monitoring such treatment. One method of treating SLE including renal SLE and reducing risk of renal flare in an individual with SLE involves the administration of an effective amount of an agent for reducing the level of anti-dsDNA antibody (such as a dsDNA epitope as in the form of an epitope-presenting carrier or an epitope-presenting valency platform molecule like LJP 394) to the individual. The invention further provides a method of treating renal flare and reducing risk of renal flare in an individual with SLE involving the reduction of the level of circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies in the individual and maintaining sustained reduction of circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies, optionally through administration of a dsDNA epitope to the individual.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating SLE including renal SLE and methods of reducing risk of renal flare in individuals with SLE, and methods of monitoring such treatment. One method of treating SLE including renal SLE and reducing risk of renal flare in an individual with SLE involves the administration of an effective amount of an agent for reducing the level of anti-dsDNA antibody (such as a dsDNA epitope as in the form of an epitope-presenting carrier or an epitope-presenting valency platform molecule like LJP 394) to the individual. The invention further provides a method of treating renal flare and reducing risk of renal flare in an individual with SLE involving the reduction of the level of circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies in the individual and maintaining sustained reduction of circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies, optionally through administration of a dsDNA epitope to the individual.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stabilizing or improving the health-related quality of life in individuals with SLE, and methods of selecting individuals suitable for such treatment. One method of stabilizing or improving the health-related quality of life of an individual with SLE involves the administration of an effective amount of dsDNA epitope, such as in the form of an epitope-presenting carrier or an epitope-presenting valency platform molecule like LJP 394, to the individual. The invention further provides a method of stabilizing or improving the health-related quality of life of an individual with SLE involving the reduction of the level of SLE-associated antibodies in the individual, optionally through administration of a dsDNA epitope to the individual. In addition, methods of screening patients are provided. Kits useful in the methods of the invention are also provided.