IRF7, a functional factor associates with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease attributing to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Abnormal expression/function of type I interferons has been demonstrated with the pathogenesis of SLE, especially IFN-α, which can be regulated by IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near/in IRF7 have been substantiated related to onset of SLE, moreover, regulation of IRF7 expression/function has been found important in SLE. Therefore, we will discuss the association of IRF7 and SLE based on recent understandings to render more information about the mechanisms of IRF7 might perform in.