Lupus often fades with age. Scientists finally know why

Lupus, a relentless autoimmune disease, appears to mellow with age. While it aggressively targets organs with runaway interferon signaling in younger adults, researchers at UCSF have found that the aging process itself may naturally tone down these immune system attacks. By comparing immune markers across age groups, the team discovered that lupus patients actually show decreasing inflammation as they grow older, in stark contrast to typical “inflammaging.” This surprising twist opens the door to new age-targeted treatments and raises hope for managing not just lupus, but other inflammatory conditions as well.