title: A pathogenic IFNα, BLyS and IL-17 axis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients.
abstract: This study aims to analyze in depth the role of IFNα in the upregulation of BLyS in different leukocyte populations and the possible relationship of these molecules with IL-17 and other pathogenic cytokines in SLE. Thus, IFNAR1 and membrane BLyS (mBLyS) expression was upregulated on various blood cell types from patients and closely correlated in all individuals. Moreover, BLyS serum levels associated positively with IFNα and IL-17A amounts, as well as with mBLyS on B cells and neutrophils. Interestingly, mBLyS on neutrophils was also correlated with IL-17A levels. Additionally, intracellular IL-17A expression was increased in both CD4(+) lymphocytes and neutrophils from patients, and IL-17(+)CD4(+) T cell frequency was associated with serum IFNα and IFNRA1 expression on B cells. Finally, in vitro assays support an IFNα role in the activation of Th17 cells in SLE. In conclusion, these data suggest that IFNα, BLyS and IL-17 could form a pathological axis in SLE, involving T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, DCs and neutrophils, which act in a vicious circle that encourage the preexisting inflammation and propagate the disease process.
authors: Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain.
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: López
authors: Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain.
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Rodríguez-Carrio
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, 33011, Spain.
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Caminal-Montero
authors: Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, 33011, Spain.
authors: Lourdes
authors: L
authors: Mozo
authors: Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Suárez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000097:blood*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000097:blood*; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000097:blood*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D020381:Interleukin-17; C505719:TNFSF13B protein, human