Comparison of Surrogate Markers of the Type I Interferon Response and Their Ability to Mirror Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688753
• Publication Date: 2021-06-30T06:12:58Z
• Authors: Helena Enocsson; Jonas Wetterö; Maija-Leena Eloranta; Birgitta Gullstrand; Cecilia Svanberg; Marie Larsson; Anders A. Bengtsson; Lars Rönnblom; Christopher Sjöwall
• Keywords: CCL19

Objectives Type I interferons (IFNs) are central and reflective of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, IFN-α levels notoriously difficult to measure the type IFN gene signature (IGS) is not yet available clinical routine. This study evaluates galectin-9 an array chemokines/cytokines their potential as surrogate markers and/or SLE activity. Methods Healthy controls well-characterized Swedish patients from two cross-sectional cohorts ( n =181; =59) were included, a subgroup =21) was longitudinally followed. Chemokine/cytokine responses immune complex triggered studied healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Levels measured by immunoassays. Gene expression quantified qPCR. Results The IGS significantly (p<0.01) correlated with (rho=0.54) CXCL10 (rho=0.37) whereas serum (rho=0.36), (rho=0.39), CCL19 (rho=0.26) CCL2 (rho=0.19). strongest correlation observed between TNF (rho=0.56). (SLEDAI-2K) (rho=0.20) at analysis, but no significant associations found SLEDAI-2K or chemokines. Several inflammatory mediators increased exacerbation although CCL19, CXCL11, CXCL10, IL-10 IL-1 receptor antagonist most pronounced. Immune complex-stimulation PBMC production CCL2, CXCL8 TNF. Conclusion Galectin-9 associated stronger None investigated biomarkers showed convincing association activity, performed best this regard.