This observational, non-medication study's purpose is to help learn more about the immune system's inflammation process involved in lupus. The study will be enrolling both lupus and non-lupus (healthy control) females aged 18 and older who identify as Black/African American and Non-Hispanic or White and Non-Hispanic for this comparison study. Participation involves a one-time blood collection.

There are no direct benefits in participating, but it is hoped information learned may help us to develop a better understanding of lupus. Compensation is available for participation.

The goal of this study is to determine the differences in severity and disparities of lupus in Black lupus patients, focusing on the highest risk group, Black females. We are interested in enrolling Black females with lupus as well as smaller numbers of White females with lupus, White females as Healthy Controls and Black males with lupus.

Study participation involves the collection of 4 tablespoons of blood. Patients with lupus will have their study participation during a standard of care (SOC) visit with their rheumatologist as part having routine blood drawn for their lupus care. After the initial study visit, patients with lupus may have an additional 2-3 visits. Controls will have a single study visit at the MUSC Nexus clinical research center.

This is not a clinical trial and does not involve study medications. Compensation is available for participation.

This research is being done to see if an additional shot of COVID-19 vaccine, called a "booster", will help people with autoimmune disease who are taking medications that weaken their immune system develop a better response to the vaccine. The study is also being done to see if temporarily stopping the medication you take for your autoimmune disease will help your immune system have a positive response to the vaccine booster.

This study will use the COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for initial vaccination, but they are not currently authorized or approved to be used as booster vaccinations – so their use in this study is experimental. This includes the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

This study is enrolling people over the age of 18 who have a diagnosis of lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis. You will be asked to come to the clinic for up to 8 research visits over 13 months. There might be no direct medical benefit to you for being in this study. The information learned from this study may someday benefit people with autoimmune disorders. Compensation is available for participation.