Mechanismen der autoimmunität

Autoimmunity originates as a result of different, mutually influencing factors together causing the failure or breakdown of self-tolerance. By use of biomolecular techniques, knowledge of the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases has extended during the recent years. In dermatology, this concerns in particular connective tissue and autoimmune bullous diseases. For most autoimmune diseases, an association exists with certain MHC class I and II molecules. The immunological mechanisms underlying autoimmunity include disturbances in the selection of lymphocytes and peripheral tolerance processes, polyclonal activation of autoreactive lymphocytes, cross-reactions between antigens and failure in the regulation of lymphocytic reactions. Infections, drugs, tissue damages, hormonal factors, ultraviolet light and malignomas may also contribute to the induction of autoimmune diseases. Increasing knowledge on the pathomechanisms of autoimmunity, may lead to novel immunomodulatory strategies in the future.