What makes an autoantigen an autoantigen?
Multiple classes of proteins are modified to tailor them for specific physiological roles. The nature of these posttranslational modifications of proteins, as well as the relationships between them including those of the immune system proteins themselves, and immune system responses are reviewed. Aspects of protein posttranslational modification and their relationship to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and primary biliary cirrhosis are highlighted.
Wu
Chih-Te
CT
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, GBSF Suite 6510, 451 E. Health Sciences Drive, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Gershwin
M Eric
ME
Davis
Paul A
PA
D000818:Animals; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D051047:Dihydrolipoyllysine-Residue Acetyltransferase; D004798:Enzymes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D011506:Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D011768:Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*
D001324:Autoantigens; D004798:Enzymes; D011506:Proteins; D011768:Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex; D051047:Dihydrolipoyllysine-Residue Acetyltransferase