Review Article

Interferon Alpha in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Figure 1

Putative source and effects of interferon alpha in lupus. RNA-containing complexes from apoptotic cells are bound by autoantibodies. These immune complexes are internalized after binding to FC receptors on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and stimulate toll-like receptors in the endosomes. Toll-like receptor ligation drives production of interferon alpha, leading to alteration of T-cell profiles, disruption of regulatory T-cell networks, and alteration of B-cell development.
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