Dermatomyositis and Type 1 Interferons

Type 1 interferons and myositis

Recent studies suggest a mechanistic role for molecules induced by type 1 interferons in the pathogenesis of some forms of myositis. For dermatomyositis, evidence that these molecules injure myofibers seems especially strong. In the group of disorders known as polymyositis, the study of blood samples suggests a potential role. It is unknown what drives the sustained presence of type 1 interfero...

Type 1 Interferons and Antiviral CD8 T-Cell Responses

Type 1 interferons (IFNs) were the first cytokines discovered and include IFNb, .ten forms of IFNa, and several other related molecules that all bind to the same type 1 IFN receptor (IFN1R). Type 1 IFNs are commonly referred to as ‘‘viral’’ IFNs because they can be induced directly by virus infections, in contrast to ‘‘immune’’ IFN, or IFNc, which is synthesized after receptor engagement of T c...

Production of type I interferons

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are specialized producers of type I interferons (IFNs) that respond to most viruses. Because of their antiviral activity and regulatory functions in innate and adaptive immunity, type I IFNs are important not only for antiviral resistance but also in other types of infections and in immune pathology. Here we discuss recent data that begin to reveal the unique...

Differential Effects of the Type I Interferons

Type I interferons in host defense.

Type I interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines specialized to coordinate immunity to viruses and other intracellular infections. In the past several years, many of the receptors and signaling pathways that link pathogen detection to induction of type I IFNs have been identified and characterized. An integrated picture has emerged in which type I IFNs have essential functions in several see...