Type I interferons: crucial participants in disease amplification in autoimmunity.
A significant body of data implicates the type I interferon (IFN) pathway in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In these disorders, a self-reinforcing cycle of IFN production can contribute to immunopathology through multiple mechanisms. Type I IFN cytokines are pleiotropic in their effects, mediating antiviral and antitumor activities, and possess numerous immunomodulatory functions for both the innate and adaptive immune responses. A key principle of the type I IFN system is rapid induction and amplification of the signaling pathway, which generates a feed-forward loop of IFN production, ensuring that a vigorous antiviral immune response is mounted. Although such feed-forward pathways are highly adaptive when it comes to rapid and effective virus eradication, this amplification can be maladaptive in immune responses directed against host tissues. Such feed-forward loops, however, create special opportunities for therapy.
Hall
John C
JC
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Building, Center Tower, Suite 4100, Room 412, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Rosen
Antony
A
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007370:Interferon Type I