Autoimmunity against cytokines: Double strike in autoimmune disease, a historical perspective

TL;DR

This paper reviews how autoimmunity can target cytokines, leading to immune system dysfunction and autoimmune diseases.

Contribution

The paper provides a historical perspective on autoimmunity against cytokines and their receptors.

Findings

Cytokines and their receptors can be targeted by autoimmune responses.

Autoimmune responses against cytokines can lead to diverse effects on immune activation.

The mechanisms of cytokine autoimmunity are reviewed in the context of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract

Autoimmune responses are characterized by the development of antibodies and the activation of T lymphocytes against self-antigens. This leads to an effector immune response against tissues expressing antigens, which are later recognized by the host immune system.

Host antigens attacked by antibodies are called “autoantigens” and are of different kinds, including receptors, enzymes, and channel proteins. The autoimmune response is potentiated by cytokines that mediate the activation of Th1, Th2, or Th17 lymphocytes. The released cytokines can also be recognized as autoantigens, meaning they can be targets of the autoimmune response. The effects of autoimmunity on cytokines or their receptors are diverse, and the mechanisms of this type of autoimmune response are discussed in this review.

Figures