title: Basal Activation of Type I Interferons (Alpha2 and Beta) and 2'5'OAS Genes: Insights into Differential Expression Profiles of Interferon System Components in Systemic Sclerosis.
abstract: Objective. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease in which interferons (IFNs) may play an essential role. We hypothesized that type I and III IFNs may be found in increased levels in patients and be responsible for SSc autoimmune status. Methods. Type I and III IFN and ISG basal expression profiles were measured by qPCR using RNA from PBMCs of patients and controls . Results. Type I IFNs are increased in SSc patients, while no induction of type III IFNs was detected. This induction cannot be related to IRF7, since no upregulation of this gene was seen on patients. Of the ISGs tested, 2'5'OAS levels were increased in patients, while 6-16 and MxA levels were not. Conclusions. While there is no indication of type III IFN induction, increased levels of type I IFNs may lead to abnormal regulation of ISGs that can be responsible for immune system alterations described for SSc.
authors: Laboratório de Vírus, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenue Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors: Danilo Bretas
authors: DB
authors: de Oliveira
authors: Gabriel Magno de Freitas
authors: GM
authors: Almeida
authors: Antônio Carlos Martins
authors: AC
authors: Guedes
authors: Flávia Patrícia Sena Teixeira
authors: FP
authors: Santos
authors: Claudio Antônio
authors: CA
authors: Bonjardim
authors: Paulo César Peregrino
authors: PC
authors: Ferreira
authors: Erna Geessien
authors: EG
authors: Kroon