Autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of mixed connective tissue disease.

Abstract

Antibodies to U1-RNP are part of the clinical definition of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). These antibodies and other well-defined antibodies tend to arise together in affected patients. Although still speculative, hypotheses that link U1-RNP antibodies to the development of autoimmunity in MCTD and that associate U1-RNP antibodies with mechanisms of tissue injury in MCTD have emerged and are being tested. Salient features of these hypotheses include: (1) an antigen-driven response that is due to impaired clearance of potentially immunogenic self-antigens, (2) inadequate B- and T-cell tolerance to RNP autoantigens, and (3) immunogenic properties of the RNA component of targeted ribonucleoproteins. Further studies are needed to establish whether anti-RNP antibodies have prognostic importance that is relevant to practicing clinicians.

• Authors: Eric L Greidinger, Robert W Hoffman
• Journal: Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America (Rheum Dis Clin North Am) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 437-50, vi (Aug 2005) ISSN: 0889-857X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16084317 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear

Topics

• Autoantibodies (physiology)
• B-Lymphocytes (physiology)
• Humans
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (diagnosis, immunology)
• Prognosis
• Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear (immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes (physiology)
• Time Factors