Interferons are type of protein called a cytokine. They have important roles in the immune system. Interferons are split into three distinct families – Type I, Type II, and Type III. Due to their role in autoimmunity, Type I interferons are a therapeutic target that have been investigated in many RMDs and are also a possible biomarker that can be measured to help support diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of response to therapy, and patient stratification.
Activation of the Type I interferon pathway can be measured at different levels and using different readouts. Despite this, assays to detect this have not moved into clinical practice, and there is uncertainty about their use. A key barrier to their uptake has been the diversity of approaches, ranging from simply measuring interferon levels to assessing gene expression and cell-based functional assays. In addition, there is a lack of standardization which hampers clinicians and scientists who may wish to compare different sets of results.
Since these molecules are involved in a number of RMDs, EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has created a new document to help identify and define clinical applications for these assays in specific settings, as well as to promote consistency and harmonization in how they are used.
The new EULAR points-to-consider were developed by a multidisciplinary task force. The group included rheumatologists, immunologists, translational scientists, and a patient partner. The project was completed in line with EULAR standardized operating procedures.
The paper, published in the March 2023 issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, is the first systematic approach to evaluate the use of these assays in clinical research and practice in rheumatology. The work includes two overarching principles. These acknowledge that the interferon pathway is a complex system with multiple subtypes and diverse downstream effects on gene and protein expression. They also emphasize that although Type I interferon pathway activation is a common hallmark in many RMDs, the available assays require further validation for most clinical uses. The points to consider include 11 statements on terminology, reporting practices, and clinical applications.
Implementing Type I interferon pathway assays has the potential to improve clinical management in rheumatology and other specialties. EULAR believes that these points to consider create a framework for the future implementation of these and other biomarkers.
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About EULAR
EULAR is the European umbrella organisation representing scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). EULAR aims to reduce the impact of RMDs on individuals and society, as well as improve RMD treatments, prevention, and rehabilitation. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in rheumatology education and research, promotes the translation of research advances into daily care, and advocates for the recognition of the needs of those living with RMDs by EU institutions.
