Apoptosis and autoimmunity: complement deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus revisited.
Apoptosis may have a dual role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. First, this process may be integral in the clonal deletion of self-reactive lymphocytes and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Second, apoptosis generates altered self-antigens with the potential for breaking self-tolerance. This review will discuss these two aspects of apoptosis and autoimmunity, and explore the potential role of the classical complement pathway in this context.
Navratil
J S
JS
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Arthritis Institute, E1152 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 South Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Ahearn
J M
JM
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000502:physiology*; D003171:Complement Pathway, Classical / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000502:physiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D011951:Receptors, Complement / Q000172:deficiency*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D011951:Receptors, Complement