Interferon-inducible gene expression signature in peripheral blood cells of patients with severe lupus

EC Baechler, FM Batliwalla, G Karypis… - Proceedings of the …, 2003 - National Acad Sciences
EC Baechler, FM Batliwalla, G Karypis, PM Gaffney, WA Ortmann, KJ Espe, KB Shark…
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2003National Acad Sciences
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, inflammatory autoimmune disease that
affects multiple organ systems. We used global gene expression profiling of peripheral
blood mononuclear cells to identify distinct patterns of gene expression that distinguish most
SLE patients from healthy controls. Strikingly, about half of the patients studied showed
dysregulated expression of genes in the IFN pathway. Furthermore, this IFN gene
expression “signature” served as a marker for more severe disease involving the kidneys …
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. We used global gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to identify distinct patterns of gene expression that distinguish most SLE patients from healthy controls. Strikingly, about half of the patients studied showed dysregulated expression of genes in the IFN pathway. Furthermore, this IFN gene expression “signature” served as a marker for more severe disease involving the kidneys, hematopoetic cells, and/or the central nervous system. These results provide insights into the genetic pathways underlying SLE, and identify a subgroup of patients who may benefit from therapies targeting the IFN pathway.
National Acad Sciences