An etiopathogenic role for the type IIFN system in SLE

The type I interferon (IFN) system plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogen esis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The initial appearance of autoa ntibody-producing B cells can be precipitated by infection-induced type IIF Ns, but the further, significant generation of autoimmune T and B cells is caused by the prolonged production of IFN-a, which is maintained by a vicio us circle mechanism. This involves the activation of immature dendritic cel ls, known as natural IFN-producing cells, by continuously formed endogenous IFN-alpha inducers. These IFN-a inducers consist of complexes of autoantib odies with nucleic-acid-containing autoantigens derived from apoptotic cell s.