The expression and activation of regulatory factors (IRF) and rinterferon (IFN) 
response genes were evaluated in a patient treated with autologous hematopoietic 
stem cell transplant (HSCT) for refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 
In SLE patients, genetic variants of IRF5 and IRF7 have been associated with 
increased serum IFNα levels, suggesting a pathogenic role in the type I IFN 
response. Clinical and molecular analyses of an SLE patient treated with 
high-dose immunosuppressive therapy and autologous stem cell transplant was 
performed. Western blot analysis showed that induction of IRF7 protein 
expression correlated with recurrent lupus disease activity. In addition, 
phosphorylation of IRF3 and activation of 4 E-BP1, a translational repressor of 
IRF7, preceded the disease flare. In SLE post-transplant, recurrent disease 
activity and induction of IRF7 protein expression correlated with activation of 
the IFN signature. This unique trend in regulation of IRF warrants further 
mechanistic investigation and confirmation with increased numbers of SLE 
patients.