To explain the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, we hypothesize that following an infection the immune response spreads to tissue-specific autoantigens in genetically predisposed individuals eventually determining progression to disease. Molecular mimicry between viral and self antigens could, in some instances, initiate autoimmunity. Local elicitation of inflammatory cytokines following infection ...

Immunological tolerance involves maintaining a state of unresponsiveness to autoantigens while generating protective immunity against invading pathogens. Recently, a surprising resurgence in research on regulatory T cells has been noted, and few areas have enthralled immunologists and generated so many ardent debates. Naturally occurring CD4CD25 regulatory T cells have become the cornerstone T-...

This review summarizes data on the incidence of autoimmune diseases and examines prevalence antithyroid antibodies in extrathyroid diseases. In world, about 5–7% population suffers from one or another type Among six most common diseases, thyroid associated predominate. The high raises questions potential role course It is believed that are result interactions between triggers, autoantigens, gen...

Autoantibodies present in the serum of patients with a variety of inflammatory diseases have proven useful as diagnostic markers and as probes with which to elucidate biochemical and signaling pathways. The mechanisms governing the generation of autoantibodies remain elusive, constituting a critical missing link in our understanding of rheumatologic illnesses. Several lines of experimentation i...

BACKGROUND Studies of twin pairs discordant for autoimmune conditions provide a unique opportunity to explore contributing factors triggered by complex gene-environment interactions. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, thirty-one monozygotic or dizygotic twin pairs discordant for myositis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), along with matched healthy controls were evaluated for antibodi...

Abstract CD4 +and CD8 +regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical for maintaining immune tolerance, and alternations in number function associated with detrimental outcomes infectious autoimmune diseases. Despite their importance, distinct roles mechanisms regulating self-tolerance need to be better characterized humans. Here we analyzed the relative contribution of +Tregs control autoreactive cell...