A recent study published in Rheumatology (Oxford) revealed a significant association between elevated plasma interferon-alpha (IFN-α) protein levels during pregnancy and lower birth weight in infants born to women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The findings highlight a potential prognostic biomarker for adverse pregnancy outcomes in this high-risk population.
The study followed 76 pregnant women with SLE, analyzing IFN-α protein levels in plasma samples collected during the second and third trimesters. Higher IFN-α concentrations were observed in those who delivered small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants compared to those without growth restriction. IFN-α positivity correlated with lower birth weight, suggesting a direct impact on fetal development. Additionally, preterm birth was associated with the presence of autoantibodies against chromatin. IFN-α levels also showed a positive correlation with autoantibodies against chromatin, Smith/RNP (SmRNP), and RNP, while displaying a negative association with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies.
Another study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology explored the role of IFN-α in pregnant lupus patients who developed preeclampsia. The researchers found that elevated IFN-α levels early in pregnancy were associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia. They also observed that IFN-α contributes to angiogenic dysregulation, which may impair placental development and function, potentially leading to reduced birth weight.
IFN-α a key member of the type I interferon family, plays a central role in immune regulation and is a common factor in several rheumatic diseases, including SLE, Sjögren’s disease, and RA. It is produced by various cell types in response to viral infections, with plasmacytoid dendritic cells serving as the primary source of circulating IFN-α. This cytokine exerts a profound impact on the immune system by modulating the activation and function of major immune cell subsets. Acting as a crucial link between innate and adaptive immunity, IFN-α contributes to the development, progression, and pathogenesis of SLE, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic target.
These findings highlight the significance of monitoring IFN-α levels during pregnancy in women with SLE for identifying those at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including lower birth weight. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to develop targeted interventions.
References
- Stockfelt M, Torell A, Gunnarsson I, Svenungsson E, Zickert A, Sennström MM, et al. Plasma interferon-alpha protein levels during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2025 Mar 1;64(3):1469-1475.
- Andrade D, Kim M, Blanco LP, Karumanchi SA, Koo GC, Redecha P, et al. Interferon-α and angiogenic dysregulation in pregnant lupus patients who develop preeclampsia. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2015 Apr;67(4):977-87.
- Niewold TB, Clark DN, Salloum R, Poole BD. Interferon alpha in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010;2010:948364.