Interferon-inducible Ifi200-family genes as modifiers of lupus susceptibility

► Recent studies have revealed sex-dependent epistatic interactions among the Nba2 interval genes in modification of lupus susceptibility. ► The interferon-inducible Ifi200-family genes within Nba2 interval regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. ► Epistatic interactions between Ifi200-family genes and Fcgr2b gene contribute to increased IFN-α production. ► p202 protein increases autoantibody production in part by activating an interferon response that regulates survival of autoreactive B and T cells. ► p202 protein is a cell type-dependent transcriptional modulator for NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors.