The Role of Interferon Gene Signature in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Type 1 interferons (IFNs) play a central role in the development and disease course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a new study, researchers explored SLE disease activity and type I interferon 4 gene signature (IFNGS), to better understand disease pathogenesis and clinical outcomes.
The study assessed 823 participants with SLE (767 female; 56 male) in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Prospective Observational Cohort Study (SPOCS) from 135 centers in 8 countries biannually for up to 3 years. Study participant’s baseline demographics, disease activity/characteristics, organ system involvement/damage, flares, and participant-reported health outcomes were analyzed, and each participant was classified as IFNGS-high or IFNGS-low.
Asian and Black participants comprised of approximately two-thirds of study participants, and had IFNGS-high status, compared to White study participants. Additionally, researchers found IFNGS-high participants were younger at diagnosis and had distinct patterns of organ involvement, compared with IFNGS-low patients. More participants in the IFNGS-high group received immunosuppressants and/or oral glucocorticoids compared to the IFNGS-low group, and they were also more likely to have hematological, immunological and dermal (skin) involvement.
Results of this study showcase there are distinct characteristics based on disease activity and IFNGS status, but further studies are needed to understand these baseline characteristics and their long-term impact in people with SLE. Learn more about lupus diagnosis.
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