Abstract
We formulate a two-phase paradigm of autoimmunity associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, the archetypal autoimmune disease. The initial Toll-like receptor (TLR)-independent phase is mediated by dendritic cell uptake of apoptotic cell debris and associated nucleic acids, whereas the subsequent TLR-dependent phase serves an amplification function and is mediated by uptake of TLR ligands derived from self-antigens (principally nucleic acids) complexed with autoantibodies. Both phases depend on elaboration of type I interferons (IFNs), and therapeutic interruption of induction or activity of these cytokines in predisposed individuals might have a substantial mitigating effect in lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 543-551 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Nature medicine |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)