As in the case of other autoimmune diseases the action of IFNα may be related to increased expression of MHC class I antigens, enhanced expression of co-stimulatory molecules, and activation of DCs as well as stimulation of immunoglobulin synthesis and increased autoantibody production, and an enhanced T-cell response leading to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Here, IFNA1 is linked to autoimmune disease.