Essential Requirement for IFN Regulatory Factor 7 in Autoantibody Production but Not Development of Nephritis in Murine Lupus (original) (raw)

The role of IFN Regulatory Factor 7 (IRF7) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was investigated using a murine model. Findings reveal that while IRF7 is essential for the production of autoantibodies, its deficiency does not prevent the development of glomerulonephritis. Thus, the type I IFN pathway is critical for autoantibody formation, with IRF7 being a key player, while NF-kB activation can drive glomerulonephritis independently of IRF7. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of SLE pathogenesis and the roles of different immune pathways.