The forces driving autoimmune disease

• Published in: Journal of autoimmunity Vol. 5; p. no. sul. A
• Main Authors: Roitt, I M, Hutchings, PR, Dawe, KI, Sumar, N, Bodman, K B, Cooke, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1992
• ISSN: 0896-8411

The specificity of the T-cells in systemic autoimmunity is still obscure, but there is some evidence that reactivity with certain germ-line idiotypes can lead to the development of systemic autoimmunity. The possibility of stimulating B-cells specific for autoantigens such as DNA becomes feasible if a complex of antibody and DNA is taken up by these specific B-cells and processed idiotype is presented to T-helpers specific for those idiotype epitopes. Evidence is presented that there may be pre-existing defects in the target organ in certain organ-specific disorders, and the evidence for a glycosylation defect in the IgG in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is explored. Molecular mimicry of autoantigens by microbes can stimulate autoreactive cells by their cross-reactivity. It is emphasized that cross-reaction which gives rise to the priming of autoreactive T-cells could give rise to the establishment of a chronic autoimmune state. There are many factors giving rise to autoimmunity, and the diseases are rightly regarded as multifactorial in origin.