Type I interferonopathies--an expanding disease spectrum of immunodysregulation

Semin Immunopathol. 2015 Jul;37(4):349-57. doi: 10.1007/s00281-015-0500-x. Epub 2015 May 22.

Abstract

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a central role in the immune defense against viral infections. Type I IFN signaling is activated by pattern recognition receptors upon sensing of viral nucleic acids and induces antiviral programs through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Type I interferonopathies comprise a heterogenous group of genetically determined diseases that are characterized by inappropriate activation of type I IFN. While their phenotypic spectrum is broad, ranging from severe neurological impairment to mild cutaneous disease, systemic autoinflammation, and autoimmunity are commonly shared signs of type I interferonopathies. Although the mechanisms underlying various disease phenotypes associated with inappropriate type I IFN activation have yet to be fully elucidated, our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of type I interferonopathies has provided a set of candidate molecules that can be interrogated in search of targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Disease Susceptibility* / etiology
  • Disease Susceptibility* / metabolism
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases / etiology
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases / metabolism
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases / therapy
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Interferon Type I / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Interferon Type I
  • Receptors, Immunologic