Interferon subverts an AHR–JUN axis to promote CXCL13+ T cells in lupus

According to new research (Law, et. All, Nature, 2024), it may be that T lymphocytes appear to play a more important role than we thought in causing active lupus. They are thought to stimulate the production of auto antibodies, which can incorrectly mistake healthy cells for foreign antigens thus they attack healthy cells and create an environment eventually leading to a higher incidence of lupus.

Only 19 patients were studied in a recent research investigation. Although meaningful, there needs to be a lot more patients with a lupus diagnosis evaluated before definite conclusions can be drawn. One explanation presented by the authors of this research paper is the role that aryl hydrocarbon receptors may play in limiting the accumulation of disease promoting T lymphocyte cell activation against self-antigens.

In my medical opinion, the drug Saphnelo (generic name anifrolumab ) blocks interferon and may be able to prevent the T cell imbalance that could potentially lead to activation of the disease. Although, we are making progress in understanding and developing new treatments for lupus, there is a need for more research to better understand the disease, and address patients suffering from it.

If you’d like to contribute to research that is desperately needed on lupus, please consider donating through our Lupus Society website. 

Robert S Katz MD

Chairman of the Board, Lupus Society of Illinois

Reference

Law, C., Wacleche, V.S., Cao, Y. et al. Interferon subverts an AHR–JUN axis to promote CXCL13⁺ T cells in lupus. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07627-2