title: Is IgA nephropathy induced by hyperproduction of interferon-alpha?
abstract: The frequent occurrence of tonsillitis or upper respiratory tract infections preceeding exacerbations of haematuria in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) suggests a relationship to the pathogenesis. Since it has been shown that release of type I interferon (IFN-alpha) can promote the release of BAFF which aids maturation of B lymphocytes, and IFN-alpha is released as part of innate immunity to pathogens of the upper respiratory tract, it is suggested than IFN-alpha may trigger the pathogenic process of IgAN. How cells in the tonsils contribute and whether Il-6 formation in the lungs also helps development of Th.2 lymphocytes are to be considered.
authors.affiliation: nigel@edwinwardle.freeserve.co.uk
authors.forename: E Nigel
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Wardle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000209:etiology*; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007371:Interferon-gamma