About the Lupus Center

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 225,000 individuals in the United States. The disease predominantly affects women, and is often more severe in Black, Asian, Hispanic and Native American people. Inflammation from SLE can cause damage to the organs in the body, including the skin, joints, blood cells, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. SLE is a chronic condition that may greatly impact quality of life, and can cause severe fatigue, pain and disability. SLE patients often require multiple medical specialists, including rheumatologists, nephrologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists and neurologists. There is currently no cure for lupus, but various immune-suppressing and immune-modulating drugs can control symptoms, minimize inflammation and prevent damage.

Through the generosity of the Wolfe Family, the UC San Diego Lupus Center was established to improve the lives of patients with SLE. Interdisciplinary clinics that focus on unique aspects of the disease including skin, kidneys, and reproductive health allow our providers to deliver comprehensive patient care. The UC San Diego Lupus Center also aims to expand access to care for all patients with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, and transitional care for adolescents as they approach adulthood.

At UC San Diego, our goal is to provide state-of-the-art care for our patients and integrate cutting-age research into our practice, leading to better treatments, disease prevention, and ultimately, a cure for this disease.

Past events

UC San Diego Lupus Center of Excellence Annual Symposium

Saturday, May 4, 2024
7:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI)
9452 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
ACTRI auditorium, 1W-210

Our grand opening symposium in October 2023 was a success, and we brought the community together again in May of 2024 for Lupus Awareness Month. We brought  together lupus providers, patients, and caregivers in the community to discuss the progress of our center and share exciting updates on lupus.