Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
Volume 22, Issue 21, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111327
Keywords
lupus; systemic lupus erythematosus; SLE; biomarkers; cytokines; interferons
Funding
- King Gustaf V's 80-year foundation
- Karolinska Institutets Research foundation
- Swedish Rheumatism Association
- Signe and Reinhold Sunds Foundation
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by activation and dysregulation of the immune system. Disturbances in immune pathways and genetic susceptibility are key factors in the development of SLE. Dysregulation of cytokines, particularly interferons, has been extensively studied as potential biomarkers and treatment targets in SLE.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by activation and dysregulation of both the innate and the adaptive immune systems. The autoimmune response targets self-molecules including cell nuclei, double stranded DNA and other intra and extracellular structures. Multiple susceptibility genes within the immune system have been identified, as well as disturbances in different immune pathways. SLE may affect different organs and organ systems, and organ involvement is diverse among individuals. A universal understanding of pathophysiological mechanism of the disease, as well as directed therapies, are still missing. Cytokines are immunomodulating molecules produced by cells of the immune system. Interferons (IFNs) are a broad group of cytokines, primarily produced by the innate immune system. The IFN system has been observed to be dysregulated in SLE, and therefore IFNs have been extensively studied with a hope to understand the disease mechanisms and identify novel targeted therapies. In several autoimmune diseases identification and subsequent blockade of specific cytokines has led to successful therapies, for example tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibition in rheumatoid arthritis. Authors of this review have sought corresponding developments in SLE. In the current review, we cover the actual knowledge on IFNs and other studied cytokines as biomarkers and treatment targets in SLE.
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