Genetics of autoimmune diseases--disorders of immune homeostasis.
In the past few years, our extensive knowledge of the mammalian immune system and our increasing ability to understand the genetic causes of complex human disease have opened a window onto the pathways that lead to autoimmune disorders. In addition to the well-established role of genetic variation that affects the major histocompatibility complex, a number of rare and common variants that affect a range of immunological pathways are now known to have important influences on the phenotypic diversity that is seen among autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have also highlighted a previously unanticipated interplay between the innate and adaptive immune system, providing a new direction for research in this field.
Gregersen
Peter K
PK
Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA. peterg@nshs.edu
Behrens
Timothy W
TW
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System