Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
Type 1 interferons (IFN-I) are implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but most studies have only reported the effect of IFN-I on mixed cell populations. We aimed to define modules of IFN-I associated genes in purified leukocyte populations and use these as a basis for a detailed comparative analysis.
Methods
CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, monocytes and neutrophils were purified from patients with SLE, other immune-mediated diseases and healthy volunteers (HV)and gene expression determined by microarray. Modules of IFN-I associated genes were defined using weighted gene coexpression network analysis. The composition and expression of these modules was analysed.
Results
1,150 of 1,288 IFN-I associated genes were specific to myeloid subsets, compared with 11 genes unique to T-cells. IFN-I genes were more highly expressed in myeloid subsets compared to T-cells. A subset of neutrophil samples from HV and conditions not classically associated with IFN-I signatures displayed increased IFN-I gene expression, whereas upregulation of IFN-I associated genes in T-cells was restricted to SLE.
Conclusions
Given the broad upregulation of IFN-I genes in neutrophils including in some HV, investigators reporting IFN-I signatures on the basis of whole blood samples should be cautious about interpreting this as evidence of bona fide IFN-I mediated pathology. Instead, specific upregulation of IFN-I associated genes in T-cells may be a useful biomarker and a further mechanism by which elevated IFN-I contributes to autoimmunity in SLE.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
SUBMITTER: Richard Coulson
PROVIDER: E-MTAB-2713 | biostudies-arrayexpress |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress