Title: The Interferon System in Lupus Erythematosus
Abstract: The interferons (IFNs) are a large group of proteins classified into three types (I–III) that induce viral resistance in cells and also act as immune adjuvants and stimulate the adaptive immune system. Increased levels of mainly type I IFN are seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is due to the presence of self-derived inducers of type I IFN production acting on plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Such inducers consist of autoantigens containing nucleic acid that stimulate endosomal Toll-like receptors, which trigger the ongoing IFN synthesis that leads to an increased transcription of type I IFN-regulated genes in target cells (an interferon signature). The type I IFN production contributes to the autoimmune process and several therapies aiming to inhibit the production, or action, of type I IFN have been developed. Preliminary results indicate that this therapeutic strategy may be successful in a subset of patients with SLE.
Publication Year: 2016
Publication Date: 2016-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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