Lupus, Genes, and the Bubonic Plague: What could possibly be the connection??

I ran across this article recently and had to share. The title alone makes it a must-read for lupus peeps! It's entitled: 

You might have Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus because your ancestor survived the Black Death, study says

A surprising connection has been made  between our ancestors who survived the Bubonic Plague and our susceptibility to having diseases like lupus. Wow. Really????

In the 14th century,  the Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death,  was the single deadliest event in our world's history, wiping out 30-50% of the population. 

It seems that an overactive immune system, which is what makes the body attack itself in lupus patients, was actually beneficial in staving off the plague. 

Now let's see if they can figure out how to stave off lupus! 

The whole article is fascinating - make sure to read it here.