As with many other autoimmune diseases, the cause of lupus is not yet known. Some research has suggested that genes could play a part, but they are not likely the sole cause. Factors thought to trigger lupus symptoms include overexposure to sunlight, stress, hormones, tobacco smoke and viruses. Also, past research has found that the Epstein-Barr virus — which causes mononucleosis, or “mono” — may raise the risk of lupus in those genetically susceptible to the disease.
