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Genetic factors in the etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmunity 1
Author(s) -
Carson Dennis A.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.6.10.1634042
Subject(s) - immunology , autoimmunity , immune system , biology , major histocompatibility complex , immunogenicity , autoimmune disease , population , disease , genetic predisposition , antibody , genetics , gene , medicine , environmental health , pathology
Family and population studies indicate that several different genes can increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Established genetic risk factors include genes encoding histocompatibility molecules, complement proteins, immunoglobulins, peptide transporter proteins, and genes controlling the production of sex hormones. Each factor may independently enhance the immunogenicity of autoantigens, either by increasing their processing and presentation by B lymphocytes and macrophages or by increasing the chance for recognition by autoreactive T and B lymphocytes. Genetic factors may also influence immune responses to infectious agents that can trigger autoimmunity. Because of the somatic generation of immune diversity, genetically identical individuals have different immune systems. The ability of genetic diagnosis to predict autoimmune disease in out‐bred populations cannot easily exceed the disease concordance rates in monozygotic twins, which usually are less than 50%. However, genetic diagnosis can target populations that should be monitored for serologic evidence of autoimmunity, which may precede clinical signs and symptoms. In the future, it may be possible to match different forms of immunotherapy with specific genetic defects.— Carson, D. A. Genetic factors in the etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmunity. FASEB J. 6: 2800‐2805; 1992.