eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal 0974-6242 2026-03-25 19 1 50 62 10.13005/bpj/3336 70894 article Umesh Laddha 1 Aishwarya Lad 1 Pravin Pawara 1 Prashant Adhav 1 Janhavi Ganore 1 Chanchal Pagar 1 Department of Pharmaceutics, MET’s Institute of Pharmacy, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, BKC, Adgaon, Nashik, MS-India Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues. In SLE, while acting against external pathogens, immune system misidentifies healthy tissues as threats and start to affect normal organ(s). SLE symptoms range from a characteristic butterfly- shaped rash on the face to severe complications in the joints, kidneys, and brain. Due to diverse and unpredictable nature, diagnosis and treatment both possesses significant challenge. This review explores the underlying mechanisms of systemic lupus erythematosus, with a focus on the genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors that contribute to the disease. It also provides an overview of the wide range of clinical manifestations, which can affect the skin, joints, and major organs. Current treatment approaches, including immunosuppressive agents and biologic therapies, are discussed, along with recent advances in research aimed at developing more targeted and effective therapies to understand the SLE treatment and challenges. https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol19no1/navigating-the-maze-a-comprehensive-review-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus/ Autoimmune disease Clinical manifestations Genetic factors Hormonal influence Pathogenesis Systemic lupus erythematosus