Type I interferon-associated cytotoxic inflammation in cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Inappropriate activation of innate immune mechanisms, in particular of the type I interferon (IFN) system, is regarded to play an important role in the pathogenesis of lupus erythematosus (LE). Type I IFN serum levels have been shown to correlate with the disease activity in systemic LE and additionally play a proinflammatory role in the development of LE skin lesions. Recent studies demonstrated a close morphological association between the expression pattern of IFN-inducible chemokines (MxA, CXCL10) and typical histological features of cutaneous LE. These and other studies suggest that a complex network of IFN-associated cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules orchestrates and promotes tissue injury observed in LE skin.