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Current Rheumatology Reports
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports 3/2011

01-06-2011

Pathogenesis of Dermatomyositis: Role of Cytokines and Interferon

Authors: Lily Kao, Lorinda Chung, David F. Fiorentino

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 3/2011

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Abstract

Dermatomyositis is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects skeletal muscle, skin, and the lungs. Dermatomyositis is characterized by autoantibodies, tissue inflammation, parenchymal cell damage and death, and vasculopathy. This review focuses on recent advances regarding the role of cytokines and interferon in the pathogenesis of the disease. Evidence for the role of a particular cytokine is based on data showing dysregulated levels in tissue and/or blood; correlation with histopathologic or clinical markers of disease activity; and, rarely, clinical efficacy of targeted cytokine inhibitors. Many of the recent advances pertain to elucidation of the role of interferons in both muscle and skin disease in dermatomyositis. Although a great deal of progress has been made regarding the role of interferon in the disease, many critical questions remain unanswered.
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Metadata
Title
Pathogenesis of Dermatomyositis: Role of Cytokines and Interferon
Authors
Lily Kao
Lorinda Chung
David F. Fiorentino
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-011-0166-x

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