OP0097 Autoantibodies Precede Interferon Elevation in Pre-Clinical Lupus

Background Determining processes that lead to clinical illness in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) years before diagnosis would provide insight into the fundamental origins of SLE pathogenesis. Objectives This study evaluates the temporal relationship between autoantibody production, interferon (IFN) levels and the onset of SLE. Methods Serial sera from 56 pre-clinical SLE cases leading up to SLE classification (average timespan=4.3 years) and matched healthy controls were obtained from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. Sera samples were tested for autoantibodies (BioPlex2200), IFN-α activity, and soluble inflammatory mediators, including IFN associated chemokines and BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator). Temporal relationships between IFN activity and autoantibody positivity were determined and confirmed using Path analysis. Results Serum IFN-α activity scores, as well as IFN-correlated (p