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 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.