Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Gullah Health

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies, multiple organ involvement, and diverse clinical symptoms and immunologic manifestations. African Americans are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing SLE, develop SLE at an earlier age, and have increased morbidity and mortality compared with European Americans. Our central study hypothesis is that there are specific genetic factors that interact with environmental exposures leading to the development of SLE. The African American Gullah population from the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia are unique in their genetic homogeneity with minimal non-African genetic admixture, making them an ideal cohort to address questions of environmental and genetic influence on the development and progression of SLE.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 2 years and above; * Self-identified as African-American "Gullah" from the Sea Island region of South Carolina; * Have had at least 4 of the 11 diagnostic criteria for SLE as designated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), be a relative of a known SLE patient, or be an unrelated healthy Gullah control; * Ability to speak and understand English; * Ability and willingness to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Race defined by participant as other than Black or African-American; * Being a prisoner, mentally ill patient, or institutionalized individual; * Unwilling or unable to give informed consent