The type I interferon system in the development of lupus |
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Authors: | Rönnblom Lars Alm Gunnar V Eloranta Maija-Leena |
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Institution: | a Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden;b Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden |
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Abstract: | The type I 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-α 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-α 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. |
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Keywords: | Interferon Lupus Plasmacytoid dendritic cell Immune complex Gene Environment |
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