Activation of the type I interferon pathway in primary Sjogren's syndrome: an update

作者：Vakaloglou Katerina M; Mavragani Clio P^*

来源：Current Opinion in Rheumatology, 2011, 23(5): 459-464.

DOI：10.1097/BOR.0b013e328349fd30

• activation of type I interferon pathway
• Sjogren's syndrome
• systemic lupus erythematosus

Purpose of review
Recent advances suggest type I interferon (IFN) pathway as an emerging mediator of systemic autoimmunity. This review aims to summarize the latest developments in the biology of type I IFN pathway and its contributory role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders with a particular focus on Sjogren's syndrome.
Recent findings
Increased circulating type I IFN levels along with upregulated type I IFN inducible genes in salivary gland tissues, peripheral blood and mononuclear cells suggest activation of type I IFN pathway in Sjogren's syndrome. Additional regulatory mechanisms and novel potential suppressors of type I IFN production provide new insights into disease pathogenesis, pointing to type I IFN system as a potential new therapeutic target.
Summary
Compelling evidence suggests type I IFN as a key player in pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome and an attractive potential therapeutic target. Meticulous stratification of patient subgroups characterized by activation of type I IFN pathway should be performed in carefully designed translational studies.

• 出版日期2011-9