Immunity
Volume 20, Issue 5, May 2004, Pages 539-550
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Review
Autoimmunity through Cytokine-Induced Dendritic Cell Activation

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Abstract

We propose a model where autoimmunity can be viewed as a dynamic system driven by opposite vectors IFN-α/β and TNF. These cytokines drive differentiation of distinct types of DCs, TNF-DCs, or IFN-DCs, which present different antigens leading to distinct autoimmune responses. When balanced, both cytokines synergize in protective immunity. When one of the cytokines prevails, autoimmunity occurs, Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) playing a major role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and TNF playing a major role in rheumatoid arthritis. This model complements the Type 1/Type 2 paradigm. Therefore, immunity can be viewed as a dynamic system driven by two sets of opposite vectors: IFN-α/β/TNF and IFN-γ/IL-4.

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