Interferon‐α priming promotes lipid uptake and macrophage‐derived foam cell formation: A novel link between interferon‐α and atherosclerosis in lupus

Abstract

Our data suggest that IFNα priming up-regulated the expression of SR-A in human monocyte/macrophages, leading to increased lipid uptake and foam cell formation. Activation of the IFN signaling pathway may be linked to the risk of atherosclerosis by affecting plaque formation in patients with SLE. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of and potential therapeutic approaches to premature atherosclerosis in patients with SLE.