title: The type I interferon system in the development of lupus.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Lars.Ronnblom@medsci.uu.se
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rönnblom
authors.forename: Gunnar V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Alm
authors.forename: Maija-Leena
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Eloranta
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I