Role of IFN-α in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Purpose of Review Type 1 interferons (IFN-I) are of increasing interest across a wide range of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Historically, research into their role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been relatively neglected, but recent work continues to highlight a potential contribution to RA pathophysiology. Recent Findings We emphasise the importance of disease stage when examining IFN-I in RA and provide an overview on how IFN-I may have a direct role on a variety of relevant cellular functions. We explore how clinical trajectory may be influenced by increased IFN-I signalling, and also, the limitations of scores composed of interferon response genes. Relevant environmental triggers and inheritable RA genetic risk relating to IFN-I signalling are explored with emphasis on intriguing data potentially linking IFN-I exposure, epigenetic changes, and disease relevant processes. Summary Whilst these data cumulatively illustrate a likely role for IFN-I in RA, they also highlight the knowledge gaps, particularly in populations at risk for RA, and suggest directions for future research to both better understand IFN-I biology and inform targeted therapeutic strategies.

Immunotherapy Strategy for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: Betting on CAR-T Cells and Antibodies

“…Type 1 INF (IFNα) has also been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of SAIDs and is of increasing interest to researchers as a therapeutic target (Figure 2) [30,123,124]. Anifrolumab is an immunoglobulin gamma 1 kappa (IgG1κ) mAb that targets subunit 1 of INFAR1 and therefore blocks IFN-α and IFN-β signaling (Table S3) [124].…”

“…Similar to SLE, anifrolumab has shown efficacy in the treatment of SSc and is now in a Phase III clinical trial (Table S3). Clinical trials for RA reported that future larger studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this drug in RA [123,126].…”