Additionally, the number of pDCs in LE and dermatomyositis (DM) lesions directly correlated with the expression of myxovirusresistance protein (MxA), a protein induced by IFN-α/β, suggesting that pDCs are an important IFN-α source in such diseases.11, 14, 15 McNiff et al. verified that pDCs were preferably detected at the epidermis in patients with dermatomyositis when compared to patients with lupus, where the location was mainly in the dermis, suggesting that in LE circulating immune complexes migrate through the vessels before skin deposition.11 This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.