Autoantibodies to Interferons in Infectious Diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Autoimmunity
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Anti-cytokine autoantibodies, particularly anti-type I interferons, are increasingly recognized in immune-related disorders.
• These autoantibodies can predispose healthy individuals to infections.
• Anti-type I interferon autoantibodies are implicated in severe Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) and other infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review identified anti-cytokine autoantibodies and their clinical associations.
• To explore the dual role of these autoantibodies as potentially beneficial ('friends') or harmful ('enemies').
• To investigate potential links between autoantibodies, gender, and immunosenescence.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on anti-cytokine autoantibodies.
• Analysis of clinical associations and potential mechanisms of action.
• Discussion of implications for infection treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• A growing number of anti-cytokine autoantibodies have been identified with diverse clinical associations.
• Autoantibodies can manifest in healthy individuals, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
• Their presence is noted in various infections, including but not limited to COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the mechanisms of autoantibody production is crucial for improving infection management.
• Therapeutic strategies may need to consider addressing low-grade autoimmunity in patients.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of autoantibodies in health and disease.