【Abstract】 Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype inflammatory autoimmune disease, which has complex clinical appearance and high morbidity. A characteristic hallmark of SLE is production of autoantibodies against nuclear components and breaking immunological tolerance. Because of neutrophils death pathways change, including apoptosis, SNECs, NETosis, autoantigens are mainly released from secondary necrotic cells (SNECs). These modified autoantigens are presented by follicular dendritic cells to autoreactive B cells, then results in breaking of selftolerance and production of autoantibodies. The clearance of immune complex (IC), along with the accumulation of cell remnants represents an initiating event of the etiology. The subsequent generation of autoantibodies results in perpetuating inflammation and tissue damage in SLE patients. This review elaborated pathogenesis of SLE, emphasis on the process of neutrophil apoptosis, clearance of apoptotic cells and defective clearance, and look forward to the new treattarget in SLE.