Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a highly variable course and prognosis. The management of the disease is still a clinical challenge for the treating physicians as many aspects regarding the disease pathogenesis, clinical picture and outcomes remain to be elucidated. New and interesting data are emerging; here the recent literature on SLE pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory aspects, as well as treatments and comorbidities, are reviewed and the main findings summarised in order to provide a bird's eye on the relevant papers on these topics.