Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens that lead to chronic systemic inflammation that can affect multiple major organs. The current treatment consists of two phases: an initial induction and a maintenance phase, typically steroids have been used in combination with one of two immunosuppressive agents for therapeutic induction: cyclophosphamide (CYC) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).