title: Immune mechanisms in rheumatic disease.
abstract: The pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases is complex and lacks clear-cut origins. This article describes the current theories and supporting evidence for the pathogenesis, mechanisms, and progression of rheumatic diseases. The roles of genetic inheritance and inflammatory/immune mediators are emphasized.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0038, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Workman
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D016207:Cytokines