The abstract is read at the publisher; the summary is JClub's.
Affinity maturation of human neutralizing interferon-α autoantibodies broadens specificity across all 12 IFN-αs, with epitope classes and synergy linked to IFN-α signaling blockade.
- Why it matters: Neutralizing anti-IFN-α antibodies are linked to severe viral infections and may also affect IFN-α–driven autoimmunity, but their molecular emergence and functional maturation are unclear.
- What they did: Plasma neutralization against all 12 IFN-αs was tracked over years in multiple human donors, alongside monoclonal antibody analyses, biophysical/structural complex characterization, and testing of epitope competition and signaling effects.
- The result: Neutralization often began narrow, frequently targeting IFN-α8, then increased in breadth and potency; non-competing neutralizing antibodies acted cooperatively to block IFN-α signaling and some combinations engaged Fc-effector functions via IFN-α:IFNAR2 interactions.
The findingWhy it mattersWhat they didThe result
AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.