[Autoimmunity. Physiological control mechanisms and pathways to autoimmune disease].
Immunological tolerance towards self antigens is ensured by at least two different mechanisms, i.e. the deletion of potentially autoreactive T-lymphocytes in the thymus ("negative selection") and the active suppression of unwanted (auto)immune responses in the periphery through regulatory T-cells (Treg). With few exceptions, autoimmune diseases result from a multifactorial disturbance of the physiological immune homeostasis. Underlying mechanisms include a genetic predisposition and an aberrant activation of the immune system due to exogenous stimuli such as infectious microorganisms or endogenous stimuli such as disturbed epithelial barrier function. Microbe-derived Toll-like receptor ligands interfere with the control of immune cell activation at several levels including stimulation of autoreactive B-lymphocytes, promotion of autoantigen presentation to T-lymphocytes, and modulation of the suppressive capacity of Treg. In addition, recent evidence indicates that the newly discovered interleukin-17 producing Th(17) T-cells play an important role in promoting inflammatory reactions and tissue destruction in autoimmune diseases.
Kabelitz
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Institut für Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3, Haus 17, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland. Kabelitz@immunologie.uni-kiel.de
Schreiber
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D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines