Type I Interferon in Autoimmune Diseases and Its Clinical Applications

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, psoriasis, scleroderma (SSc) and myositis are heterogeneous disorders that result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Type I interferons (IFNs), especially IFN-α/β, have multiple biological functions including anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, immuno-modulation, anti-proliferation, and intensive studies over decades have also revealed important roles in autoimmunity and cancer. Sustained Type I IFN elevation has been implicated in immune responses against self-antigens and tissue damage, which has led to the hypothesis that type I IFN might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This book provides an overview of many key topics surrounding type I IFNs, beginning with detailed discussion of the type I IFN signaling pathway, the interplay between components that regulate this pathway, its involvement in autoimmunity, and a detailed review of the roles of type I IFNs in a series of well characterized inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.