High Serum IFN-α Is a Heritable Risk Factor for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Healthy family members of patients with SLE had elevated levels of IFN-α activity.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous disorder with associated morbidity and mortality. It has long has been believed that patients are genetically predisposed to develop SLE, and evidence of this heritability is often observed in family members of LE patients. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is able to break immunologic self-tolerance by activating antigen-presenting cells after the uptake of self material. In addition, IFN-α levels are known to be elevated in SLE patients and to correlate with LE activity. Patients receiving IFN-α for malignancy or chronic hepatitis may develop de novo SLE that resolves when the drug is withdrawn.

To determine whether high serum IFN-α activity is a cause or a result of the disease, investigators compa…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)