Mitochondrial antigens as targets of cellular and humoral auto-immunity in primary biliary cirrhosis.
Several factors point toward an auto-immune pathogenesis for primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC), mostly based on the presence of serum auto-antibodies to mitochondrial antigens(AMAs) and autoreactive T cells (both helper and cytotoxic). Interestingly, epitopes recognized by AMA and T-cell clones are located within overlapping areas of the antigens. Moreover,a role for an imbalance in cytokine pattern and for natural-killer lymphocytes has also been proposed. Despite several experimental reports, no clear evidence is available regarding the interaction of these factors leading to bile duct destruction. This article reviews the current reports regarding the auto-immune reaction against mitochondrial auto-antigens in PBC.
Ichiki
Yasunori
Y
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, TB192, Davis, CA, USA.
Selmi
Carlo
C
Shimoda
Shinji
S
Ishibashi
Hiromi
H
Gordon
Stuart C
SC
Gershwin
M Eric
ME
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D018985:Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000276:immunology*; D008930:Mitochondria, Liver / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D001324:Autoantigens; D016207:Cytokines; D018985:Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte