Posttranslational modifications of self-antigens.
Although the immune system has developed mechanisms to distinguish "self" from "non-self," the presence of autoimmune diseases demonstrates that these mechanisms can be bypassed. The posttranslational modification of self-antigens is one way in which "new" antigens are created for which immune tolerance does not exist. We review some of the posttranslationally modified self-antigens associated with autoimmune diseases, how they arise, and how they break immune tolerance.
Doyle
Hester A
HA
Section of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208031, New Haven, CT 06520-8031, USA. hester.doyle@yale.edu
Mamula
Mark J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000235:genetics*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D001324:Autoantigens