The type I interferon system in the development of lupus

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.

Keywords

Interferon; Lupus; Plasmacytoid dendritic cell; Immune complex; Gene; Environment

Published in

Seminars in Immunology
2011, Volume: 23, number: 2, pages: 113-121
Publisher: ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

SLU Authors

• Alm, Gunnar

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Immunology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smim.2011.01.009

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/46884