The aims of the Immunogenetics group are to understand the pathology, clinical outcomes and disease mechanisms of autoimmunity using genetics.  The group focuses on the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).  SLE is a unique autoimmune disease in that any organ in the body can be targeted.  It primarily affects young women, particularly those who have non-European ancestry.  The disease involves abnormalities of both the innate and adaptive immune systems and has a strong genetic component.