Role of IFN-α in Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Published in: Current rheumatology reports 2024-02, Vol.26 (2), p.37-52
• Main Authors: Lin, Chung M. A., Isaacs, John D., Cooles, Faye A. H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arthritis, Rheumatoid - drug therapy; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - genetics; Autoimmune Diseases; Humans; Interferon Type I; Interferon-alpha - therapeutic use; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Rheumatology; Risk Factors; Topical Collection on Rheumatoid Arthritis
• ISSN: 1523-3774; 1534-6307; 1534-6307
• DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01125-6

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.