The type I interferon system plays a critical role in host defense in health, and a growing body of literature suggests that type I interferon is a critical mediator of human autoimmune disease. Type I interferons function as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems, and as such play an important role in setting thresholds for response against self antigens. Many investigators have focused on the role type I interferons play in autoimmune disease. This fascinating and rapidly growing body of literature encompasses many different autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and others. In this Research Topic, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the various roles type I interferons play in autoimmune diseases, with a focus on human immunology. We seek articles covering topics that include but are not limited to:
• Human cytokine and gene expression studies
• Therapeutic targeting of the type I interferon pathway
• Human genetic studies of the type I interferon system
• In vitro studies of interferons in cell line and human primary cells
• Autoimmune model organism studies involving type I interferon
• Type I interferons at the intersection between infection and autoimmunity
• Regulation of type I interferons in the human immune system

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.