Is IgA nephropathy induced by hyperproduction of interferon-alpha?

E Nigel Wardle1

  • 1nigel@edwinwardle.freeserve.co.uk

Medical Hypotheses
|March 31, 2004
PubMed

The frequent occurrence of tonsillitis or upper respiratory tract infections preceeding exacerbations of haematuria in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) suggests a relationship to the pathogenesis. Since it has been shown that release of type I interferon (IFN-alpha) can promote the release of BAFF which aids maturation of B lymphocytes, and IFN-alpha is released as part of innate immunity to pathogens of the upper respiratory tract, it is suggested than IFN-alpha may trigger the pathogenic process of IgAN. How cells in the tonsils contribute and whether Il-6 formation in the lungs also helps development of Th.2 lymphocytes are to be considered.

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