Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have elevated levels of interferon (IFN)-α in blood and IFN-α-producing cells in tissues. In the present thesis, we investigate the mechanisms behind the upregulated IFN-α-production in SLE and also show that the IFN-α system is activated
Autoimmune mechanisms and genetic susceptibility contribute to the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome and SLE. These chronic systemic autoimmune diseases have many serological and clinical features in common and have an impact on daily life. The studies in this thesis aim to
Immune complexes (ICs) are produced during normal immune responses and facilitate clearance of foreign antigens. ICs not efficiently cleared from the circulation can cause tissue damage. This might happen if ICs are formed with autoantibodies and autoantigens. Well described effects of ICs