Interferon regulatory factor 5 and systemic lupus erythematosus

Interferon regulatory factor(IRF)members are composed of 10 different proteins, including IRF1 ~ IRF9 and viruses IRF(V-IRF). These IRFs regulate the transcription of type I IFN genes as transcription factors.Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is an autoimmune disease characterized by a large number of autoantibodies and precipitated immune complexes, which can cause the damage of multiple organs and systems.Type I interferon system, especially the IFN-α is an important pathogenic factor in the process of SLE morbidity.SLE patients may have high level of IFN-α, which could affect the activation of the immune system to promote the development of SLE through the regulation of a variety of immune cells′ activation, differentiation and function.Besides IRF3 and IRF7, the transcription factor IRF5 gene has also been shown to be related to the production of type I interferon and is an important regulator of the IFN pathway, and its genetic polymorphism and expression abnormality lead to the susceptibility of SLE.In addition to regulating the expression of type I IFN genes, IRF5 is also associated with other signaling pathways, including B cell transformation of IgG, macrophage polarization and apoptosis, and these signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of SLE also play a very important role.This article reviews the role of IRF5 in the development of SLE disease. Key words: SLE; IRF5; Signal pathways