Abstract
The type 1 interferon (IFN) system induces inhibition of viral replication, but can also activate the innate and adaptive immune system. An important role of the type I IFN system in autoimmune diseases, including lupus, is suggested by the observation that these disorders display a prominent over-expression of type I IFN regulated genes. The development of autoimmune diseases in some individuals treated with IFN-alpha directly supports a pivotal role for this cytokine in breaking tolerance and inducing autoimmune reactions. A genetic setup that promotes type I IFN production and/or response and the presence of endogenous inducers of IFN-alpha production have been described in patients with lupus. Several known environmental risk factors for development of lupus or disease flares may contribute to the ongoing type I IFN production. In the present review we will describe the possible role of the type I IFN system in the lupus disease process. The possible connection between the type I IFN system and some environmental and genetic risk factors for lupus is also discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 113-121 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Seminars in Immunology |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Keywords
- Interferon
- Lupus
- Plasmacytoid dendritic cell
- Immune complex
- Gene
- Environment
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