Mathian A, Mouries-Martin S, Dorgham K, et al. - A total of 254 SLE individuals in remission, according to the Definition of Remission in SLE classification, were involved in the study to study the expression of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in remission and its prognostic value in the prognostication of disease relapse. Serum IFN-α levels were ascertained using an ultrasensitive single-molecule array digital immunoassay which enables the measurement of cytokines at physiological concentrations. Of all persons in remission, abnormally high IFN-α serum levels were by revealed by 26% of individuals related to the presence of antibodies specific for ribonucleoprotein, double-stranded (ds)DNA and Ro/SSA60, and young age. Significantly, high-baseline IFN-α serum levels and remission duration were related in an individualistic manner, with shorter time to relapse, whilst low serum levels of complement component 3 and anti-dsDNA Abs were not. Thus, direct serum IFN-α evaluation with highly sensitive digital immunoassay allows clinicians to distinguish a subgroup of SLE individuals, clinically in remission, but at greater risk of relapse.