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High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Type I interferon therapy and its role in autoimmunity
Martina Biggioggero1, Lisa Gabbriellini, Pier Luigi Meroni
1Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Autoimmunity
|March 20, 2010
Summary
Interferons (IFNs) influence immune responses and tolerance. Type I IFN plays a role in autoimmune diseases like lupus and can paradoxically trigger autoimmunity during therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Interferons (IFNs) are crucial immune modulators affecting both innate and adaptive immunity.
- Type I IFNs, in particular, activate dendritic cells and influence MHC molecule expression, impacting immune tolerance.
- Breakdown of tolerance can lead to autoantibody production and subsequent type I IFN induction, as seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of interferons (IFNs) in immune regulation and autoimmunity.
- To elucidate the connection between type I IFN activity and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, specifically SLE.
- To examine the implications of therapeutic IFN administration on the development of autoimmune conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on interferon function in immunity and tolerance.
- Analysis of the 'IFN signature' in systemic lupus erythematosus, including plasma IFN levels and gene expression.
- Examination of clinical data regarding the induction of autoimmunity following type I IFN therapy.
Main Results:
- IFNs, especially type I, are implicated in immune tolerance and its breakdown.
- An 'IFN signature' characterized by high type I IFN levels and related gene expression is a hallmark of SLE.
- Therapeutic type I IFN administration can induce autoimmunity, particularly in predisposed individuals.
Conclusions:
- Interferons play a complex role in autoimmunity, contributing to pathogenesis and potentially being induced by disease processes.
- The 'IFN signature' in SLE highlights the critical involvement of type I IFNs in this autoimmune disease.
- While therapeutic IFNs can induce autoimmunity, this is often manageable by discontinuing treatment, especially in patients with prior autoimmune history.
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