Presence of an interferon signature in individuals who are anti-nuclear antibody positive lacking a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease diagnosis

Background Elevated levels of type I interferons (IFNs) are a characteristic feature of the systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) and are thought to play an important pathogenic role. However, it is unknown whether these elevations are seen in anti-nuclear antibody-positive (ANA+) individuals who lack sufficient criteria for a SARD diagnosis. We examined IFN-induced gene expression in asymptomatic ANA+ individuals and patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) to address this question. Methods Healthy ANA- control subjects and ANA+ titre (≥1:160 by immunofluoresce... Mehr ...