Interferon-Inducible Genes a New Potential Target in Lupus Introduction NEW YORK. According to Reuters Health February 25, 2002, a gene induced by interferon, called IFI-202, is highly correlated with the development of lupus in mice, based on the work of Dr. Brian L. Kotzin, director of the Autoimmunity Center of Excellence at the University of Colorado. Working with a mouse model of lupus, his laboratory mapped a region of the mouse chromosome that harbours the lupus gene. The interferon-inducible gene appears to inhibit lymphocytes from dying and the theory is that they go on to develop into autoreactive lymphocytes and help produce the disease. Interferons are really important for the disease process; if the interferon can be blocked, the disease can be blocked. Dr. Brian L. Kotzin believes that this gene is one of the ways that interferons either lead to disease or worsen disease. IFI-16 is the human counterpart to IFI-202 in the mouse. Dr. Kotzin told Reuters Health that several groups are currently working to determine if in fact IFI-16 predisposes people to lupus. If the genes that predispose to lupus can be identified, Dr. Brian L. Kotzin believes we can start thinking about new therapies that perhaps target the disease at an earlier stage. Dr. Kotzin's work is funded by a grant from the Alliance for Lupus Research. Awaiting permission from Reuters.