The type I interferon (IFN) system has been postulated to play a key role in autoimmune diseases.16 Increased expression of IFN induced genes has been detected in autoimmune diseases like SLE,17 RA,18 Sjögren’s syndrome,19 and in a subgroup of MS patients.20 The interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are major regulators of genes activated by the type I IFNs,21 and a role in the regulation of the immune system is well established for the majority of the members of the IRF family of nine genes. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is autoimmune disease.