Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by Lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

The cause of Lupus is unknown, and researchers are still trying to learn what may trigger or lead to the disease. Doctors know that it is a complex autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the person’s tissues.