More Than Skin Deep: Understanding Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid lupus erythematosus, or DLE, is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin. It is a subtype of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a form of the autoimmune condition lupus. CLE can have a profound impact on patients across its subtypes and may present symptoms such as visible skin lesions, photosensitivity, disease flares, and more.^1,2

DLE is the most prevalent subtype of CLE.³ It can cause scaly, inflamed patches, often on the scalp, face and ears, that may lead to permanent scarring, changes in skin color, and hair loss.³ For people living with DLE, these visible symptoms can have effects that go far beyond the skin, impacting daily life.³ Understanding this burden can help shape future research for people living with DLE.

Understanding the Impact of DLE

DLE occurs when certain immune cells, called plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), accumulate within affected skin and produce large amounts of proteins known as type I interferons.⁴ These proteins help drive ongoing inflammation, which contributes to the symptoms associated with DLE.^4,5

Linda Zhu, MD, PhD, senior medical director, Global Development, Amgen, has years of experience in DLE research. She is passionate about bringing the patient perspective into efforts to advance understanding of the condition.

"The effects of DLE aren't limited to what can be seen on the skin," says Zhu. "For many people, visible symptoms can influence how they navigate their daily lives, which is why understanding the full patient experience is so important."

Challenges and Current State of Care in DLE

DLE currently has few treatment options and no approved targeted therapies, putting people living with the condition in a difficult position with limited options as they manage the impact of DLE on their skin. Even with what's currently available to them, many patients continue to experience ongoing disease activity, recurrent flares, and persistent skin symptoms.

Every person's experience with the condition is unique, too, and what may work for one person might not be suitable for another. Research is needed to investigate additional treatment options for those struggling with the condition.

How the Field and Understanding of DLE are Evolving

A deeper understanding of DLE is changing how researchers think about the condition. As scientists learn more about the immune cells and proteins involved in DLE, they are gaining insights into the biological processes that contribute to disease activity. For example, researchers are studying the proteins and immune pathways that drive inflammation in DLE and exploring ways to develop treatments that can help address those underlying processes.

"Addressing the needs of people living with DLE starts with understanding what drives the condition," says Zhu. "As researchers learn more about the biology of DLE, those insights can help shape additional approaches aimed at addressing disease activity in the underlying pathways.

Making a Difference: Why Continued Research and Understanding the Science Matter

With limited existing treatment options, people living with DLE are left navigating a condition with profound challenges. However, that presents an opportunity to make a positive difference.

Continued research and advancing the understanding of the underlying science are important parts of progress, alongside listening to and learning from the DLE community. Amgen is dedicated to engaging with patients, care partners, advocates, researchers, and the broader community to help inform where research can go next.

"Collaboration is essential to advancing our understanding of DLE and improving the lives of people living with the disease," says Louise Vetter, president and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. "When people with DLE have a meaningful voice in the research and development process, their experiences and perspectives can help ensure that the patient voice informs progress and remains at the center of efforts to advance care."

To learn more about DLE, connect with support resources and explore patient education materials, visit Lupus Foundation of America.

References

1. Klein B, et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2025;21(12):703-718.
2. Chambers S, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025;93,1573-1576
3. Drenkard C, et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2019;7(1):95-103.
4. Karnell JL, et al. Sci Transl Med. 2021;13(595):eabf8442.
5. Wen, C, et al. Mol Biomed. 2025;6:135.