Interferon and biologic signatures in dermatomyositis skin: specificity and heterogeneity across diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the skin, muscle, and lung. The pathogenesis of skin inflammation in DM is not well understood.

Methodology and findings

We analyzed genome-wide expression data in DM skin and compared them to those from healthy controls. We observed a robust upregulation of interferon (IFN)-inducible genes in DM skin, as well as several other gene modules pertaining to inflammation, complement activation, and epidermal activation and differentiation. The interferon (IFN)-inducible genes within the DM signature were present not only in DM and lupus, but also cutaneous herpes simplex-2 infection and to a lesser degree, psoriasis. This IFN signature was absent or weakly present in atopic dermatitis, allergic contact d

SUBMITTER: Wong D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3250414 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature