B Cell Tetherin: A Flow Cytometric Cell‐Specific Assay for Response to Type I Interferon Predicts Clinical Features and Flares in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective Type I interferon ( IFN ) responses are broadly associated with autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ). Given the cardinal role of autoantibodies in SLE , this study was undertaken to investigate whether the findings of a B cell–specific IFN assay correlate with SLE activity. Methods B cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC s) were stimulated with type I IFN and type II IFN . Gene expression...