Objective. To investigate the activation and recruitment pathways of relevant leukocyte subsets during the initiation and amplification of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE).Methods. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to perform a comprehensive analysis of all known chemokines and their receptors in cutaneous LE lesions, and the cellular origin of these chemokines and receptors was determined using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, cytokine-and ultraviolet (UV) light-mediated activation pathways of relevant chemokines were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion. Taken together, our data suggest an amplification cycle in which UV light-induced injury induces apoptosis, necrosis, and chemokine production. These mechanisms, in turn, mediate the recruitment and activation of autoimmune T cells and IFN␣-producing PDCs, which subsequently release more effector cytokines, thus amplifying chemokine production Dr.

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