The realization that an “interferon (IFN) signature” exists in most patients with SSc implies activation of the innate immune system and lends validity to the long-held suspicion that infections (such as with cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and more recently Toxoplasma gondii) could be SSc triggers in receiving more attention and a re-examination (7, 8). This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and infection.