Principles and methods for assessing autoimmunity associated with exposure to chemicals
Environmental health criteria ; 236
1 February 2006
| Publication
Overview
Autoimmunity is characterized by the reaction of cells (autoreactive T lymphocytes) or products (autoantibodies) of the immune system against the organism’s own antigens (autoantigens). It may be part of the physiological immune response (“natural autoimmunity”) or pathologically induced, which may eventually lead to development of clinical abnormalities (“autoimmune diseases”).
Many different autoimmune diseases can occur, but all are characterized by the inappropriate or excessive immune response against autoantigens, leading to chronic inflammation, tissue destruction, and/or dysfunction.
Reference numbers
ISBN: 9241572361