HLA-D/DR expression on epithelial cells: the finger on the trigger?
The findings we have described here show a clear association between epithelial HLA-D/DR expression and autoimmunity. Furthermore, the ability of class II+ thyrocytes to present both exogenous antigens and autoantigens indicates an active role for these HLA-D/DR molecules in autoimmune pathogenesis. IFN-gamma is capable of inducing HLA-D/DR expression by thyroid epithelium, but a number of observations suggest the involvement of other inducers as well. Overall, we conclude that epithelial class II expression very probably plays a key role in the propagation and also in possibly the initiation of autoimmune attack. This is in accord with the proposal of a more general relationship between inappropriate or excessive class II expression and pathogenesis.
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000276:immunology*
D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D007371:Interferon-gamma