Autoimmunity in human primary immunodeficiency diseases

PD Arkwright, M Abinun, AJ Cant - Blood, The Journal of the …, 2002 - ashpublications.org
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2002ashpublications.org
Human primary immunodeficiency diseases are experiments of nature characterized by an
increased susceptibility to infection. In many cases, they are also associated with
troublesome and sometimes life-threatening autoimmune complications. In the past few
years, great strides have been made in understanding the molecular basis of primary
immunodeficiencies, and this had led to more focused and successful treatment. This review
has 3 aims:(1) to highlight the variety of autoimmune phenomena associated with human …
Abstract
Human primary immunodeficiency diseases are experiments of nature characterized by an increased susceptibility to infection. In many cases, they are also associated with troublesome and sometimes life-threatening autoimmune complications. In the past few years, great strides have been made in understanding the molecular basis of primary immunodeficiencies, and this had led to more focused and successful treatment. This review has 3 aims: (1) to highlight the variety of autoimmune phenomena associated with human primary immunodeficiency diseases; (2) to explore how primary immunodeficiencies predispose patients to autoimmune phenomena triggered by opportunistic infections; and (3) to consider the rationale for the current treatment strategies for autoimmune phenomena, specifically in relation to primary immunodeficiency diseases. Reviewing recent advances in our understanding of the small subgroup of patients with defined causes for their autoimmunity may lead to the development of more effective treatment strategies for idiopathic human autoimmune diseases.
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