Type I interferon (IFN-I), mainly IFN-α and IFNβ, is connected with atherosclerotic plaque formation in SLE via affecting neutrophil function, changing cellular metabolism, inducing apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) and affecting macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaque by enhancing foam cell formation. This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.