Immunopathogenesis, autoimmune diseases

Many mysteries remain to be solved in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Clearly, this group of disorders constitutes an important threat to human health and well-being. They, moreover, represent a fascinating problem for the investigator at the interface of immunology and toxicology. 

Autoimmune diseases can affect any site and any organ system in the body. Therefore, their clinical manifestations vary greatly. Some general principles, however, underlie the immunopathogenesis of all of the autoimmune diseases. Most autoimmune diseases are currently considered to depend upon the activation of self-reactive CD4 helper T cells. 

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