AUTOIMMUNITY

Protective autoantibodies in homeostasis, clinical relevance, and therapeutic potential have gained wide attention. Recent studies showed that IgG4 autoantibodies play crucial roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In one aspect, IgG4 autoantibodies can bind autoantigens in .

Chorea, a movement disorder characterised by a continuous flow of unpredictable muscle contractions, has a myriad of genetic and non-genetic causes. Although autoimmune processes are rare aetiology of chorea, they are relevant both for researchers and clinicians. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory features, pathogenesis and management of the most common autoimmune causes of chorea. Emphasis is given particularly to Sydenham's chorea, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary antiphospolipid antibody syndrome, paraneoplastic chorea and anti- N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

The immune system has a complex, delicately orchestrated balance. White blood cells called CD4 T cells can mature to become many types of T cells, each of which has a distinct function. Some activate immune responses; others constrain immune responses. When the system is out of balance, uncontrolled reactions can lead to attacks against the body’s own cells and tissues and cause autoimmune disease.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that results in spot baldness in humans. Adequate animal models for AA are currently lacking. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanis

This group of more than 80 conditions is on the rise—and it attacks young women most often. Here's what you need to know.

Une équipe de scientifiques tunisiens de l'Institut Pasteur de Tunis découvre une nouvelle forme d’une maladie génétique du système immunitaire.

The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires meticulous evaluation for an underlying connective tissue disease (CTD), with major implications for prognosis and management. CTD associated ILD (CTD-ILD) occurs most commonly in the context of an established CTD, but can be the first and/or only manifestation of an occult CTD or occur in patients who have features suggestive of an autoimmune process, but not meeting diagnostic criteria for a defined CTD—recently defined as “interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features” (IPAF). The detection of specific autoantibodies serves a critical role in the diagnosis of CTD-ILD, but there remains a lack of data to guide clinical practice including which autoantibodies should be tested on initial assessment and when or in whom serial testing should be performed. The implications of detecting autoantibodies in patients with IPAF on disease behaviour and management remain unknown. The evaluation of CTD-ILD is challenging due to the heterogeneity of presentations and types of CTD and ILD that may be encountered, and thus it is imperative that immunologic tests are interpreted in conjunction with a detailed rheumatologic history and examination and multidisciplinary collaboration between respiratory physicians, rheumatologists, immunologists, radiologists and pathologists.

Although inflammation is an essential component of immunity, an excessive response can lead to tissue damage and autoimmune pathologies. In most cases, this is avoided with parallel, integrated regulatory responses that allow healing to commence. A central mediator of this regulatory response is the cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). IL-10 is particularly important in mucosal tissues, such as the intestine, where it limits macrophage proinflammatory functions. On page 513 of this issue, Ip et al. ( 1 ) report that IL-10 alters macrophage function by promoting the clearance of damaged mitochondria and modulating cellular metabolism to limit inflammation.

SOURCE Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the many co-morbidities seen in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. Prospective data from the WGET trial demonstrated that 8.9%... Read More →

Article

The gut microbiota can influence immune-cell function by the production of short-chain fatty acids. Mackay and colleagues show that diets enriched for acetate and butyrate protect non-obese diabetic mice from insulitis and diabetes progression.