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The role of innate immunity in the induction of autoimmunity.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Pisetsky, DS
Published in: Autoimmun Rev
October 2008

The autoimmune diseases are a diverse group of conditions characterized by abnormal B and T cell reactivity in association with autoantibody production. Among these diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is notable for the expression of antibodies to DNA, with these antibodies representing diagnostic markers. While mammalian DNA is immunologically inert, DNA from bacteria can potently stimulate the innate immune system, activating both toll-like receptors (TLRs) as well as non-TLR internal receptors. Since the sera of normal humans contain antibodies specific for bacterial DNA, this molecule appears to be immunogenic during infection. In pre-autoimmune mice, immunization with bacterial DNA can induce anti-DNA autoantibody production, suggesting a role in initiating this response. The immune properties of DNA are mutable, however, since mammalian DNA can acquire immunological activity when bound to certain proteins or anti-DNA antibodies to form immune complexes. In SLE, these immune complexes can drive the production of interferon by plasmacytoid dendritic cells, thereby intensifying autoimmunity. Together, these observations suggest that DNA can induce innate as well as adaptive immune responses and promote the pathogenesis of SLE because of its intrinsic immunostimulatory activity.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Autoimmun Rev

DOI

EISSN

1873-0183

Publication Date

October 2008

Volume

8

Issue

1

Start / End Page

69 / 72

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
  • Interferons
  • Immunology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Humans
  • Dendritic Cells
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Biomarkers
  • Autoimmunity
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Pisetsky, D. S. (2008). The role of innate immunity in the induction of autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev, 8(1), 69–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2008.07.028
Pisetsky, David S. “The role of innate immunity in the induction of autoimmunity.Autoimmun Rev 8, no. 1 (October 2008): 69–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2008.07.028.
Pisetsky DS. The role of innate immunity in the induction of autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Oct;8(1):69–72.
Pisetsky, David S. “The role of innate immunity in the induction of autoimmunity.Autoimmun Rev, vol. 8, no. 1, Oct. 2008, pp. 69–72. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2008.07.028.
Pisetsky DS. The role of innate immunity in the induction of autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Oct;8(1):69–72.
Journal cover image

Published In

Autoimmun Rev

DOI

EISSN

1873-0183

Publication Date

October 2008

Volume

8

Issue

1

Start / End Page

69 / 72

Location

Netherlands

Related Subject Headings

  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
  • Interferons
  • Immunology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Humans
  • Dendritic Cells
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Biomarkers
  • Autoimmunity