Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus; SLE) and Systemic Sclerosis (scleroderma; SSc) are relatively rare rheumatic diseases that disproportionately impact the African American community, and particularly African American women. The causes of lupus and scleroderma are unknown, but thought to include both genetic and environmental factors. We are enrolling lupus and scleroderma patients, and healthy control subjects. This is not a drug study. The purpose of this study is to better understand the factors that predispose people to develop lupus and scleroderma. Information about medical, social and family history, medications, physical exam findings, and laboratory tests will be collected for analysis. This study will involve approximately 1360 volunteers.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from umbilical cords for the treatment of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal of this study is to determine if patients receiving an MSC infusion plus standard of care respond better than patients receiving a placebo infusion plus standard of care.

The purpose of this study is to create and maintain a registry, which is a database (a searchable collection of information) about children, adolescents and young adults with pediatric onset of rheumatic diseases. This data may help in the evaluation of the safety and benefit of medications that are prescribed to patients who have rheumatic diseases.

This study is a one-time visit for newly diagnosed lupus patients and healthy control subjects. Volunteers will be asked to answer questions about their medical, social, and diet history. Participants will also have blood, urine, and stool samples collected for testing. The purpose of this study is to understand what role organisms in the human gut and environmental exposures have on the development of autoimmune disease. This is not a drug study.

The primary objective of the trial is to assess the ability of hydroxychloroquine to prevent the development of SLE in persons at risk for the disease. Subjects will be assigned to one of two groups: one with receive oral hydroxychloroquine, and one will receive oral placebo. The study lasts for about two years, with visits being once every 3 months, for a total of 12 visits. Two of those visits will be with an ophthalmologist to monitor eye health. At each visit, the study team will monitor your symptoms and health.