Principal mechanisms of autoimmunity
Youinou, P.
La Revue du Praticien 44(1): 39-42
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 8178057 Document Number: 423784
T lymphocyte tolerance is achieved within the thymus (clonal deletion) and pursued in the peripheral organs (clonal anergy), whilst 'the B cell repertoire is skewed to favour low affinity autoantibodies. This tolerance may be bypassed through B cell polyclonal activation, autoantigen driving or major histocompatibility complex molecule engagement. Autoimmunity is perpetuated, due to control system deficiency, and leads to visceral complications. Autoantibodies and T lymphocytes may be pathogenic, as well as immune complexes.