PMID: 2091774Jan 1, 1990Paper

Autoantigen processing and the mechanisms of tolerance to self

Immunology Series
O Werdelin

Abstract

Large foreign protein antigens are processed in antigen presenting cells before they can be recognized by T lymphocytes. The processing involves the ingestion of the antigen, a controlled proteolytic fragmentation, and the association of immunogenic fragments with MHC class II molecules. The processing provides for exposure to the T lymphocytes of the immune system of epitopes which are buried in the interior of globular protein. Here we argue that autologous molecules (i.e., autoantigens) are also processed and that this applies to intracellular molecules as well as to plasma membrane proteins and tissues and serum proteins. The implication is that autoimmune T lymphocytes recognize fragments of self molecules in the context of MHC molecules and that autotolerance is toward these same epitopes.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur as a result of an attack by the immune system on the body’s own tissues resulting in damage and dysfunction. There are different types of autoimmune diseases, in which there is a complex and unknown interaction between genetics and the environment. Discover the latest research on autoimmune diseases here.

Related Papers

Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo
Marija Mostarica-Stojković
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
M AlecuM Dobre
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved