Antiviral defense gained at the cost of autoimmunity risk, study shows

by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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Add as preferred source Comparison of lupus-associated and protective IRF7 genetic variants shows how inherited differences in immune signaling can influence interferon-alpha production and autoimmune disease risk. Credit: Cincinnati Children's Why do genetic variants that increase the risk of autoimmune disease remain so common in the population?

A new study, published Sept. 11, 2026, in The American Journal of Human Genetics , provides one possible answer: Some genetic variants that increase the risk of lupus may also make the immune system better at fighting viruses.