IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Type I IFNs are particularly important in autoimmunity and especially in SLE in which an IFN Signature is present – an abnormally high expression of Type I IFN responsive genes in immune cells and tissues (Baechler et al., 2003; Bennett et al., 2003; Crow et al., 2003; Elkon and Stone, 2011).