Autoimmune Diseases: Pathogenesis and Key Features

Rheumatic fever

Antibodies against streptococcal M protein cross-react with heart, joints, and CNS (molecular mimicry)

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

T cells attack and demyelinate CNS neurons

Myasthenia gravis

Antibodies block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction

Graves disease

Antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor, causing excess thyroid hormone

Goodpasture syndrome

Antibodies attack type IV collagen in lung and kidney basement membranes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Immune complexes deposit in tissues, causing inflammation and damage

Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM)

CD8+ T cells destroy pancreatic beta cells

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Immune complexes and T cells cause chronic synovial inflammation

Hashimoto thyroiditis

T cells destroy thyroid follicles, leading to hypothyroidism

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1)

Failure of negative selection allows autoreactive T cells to attack endocrine organs

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis

Triggered by antibiotics, you get a widespread pustules mediated by Th17 and GM-CSF signaling

Steven’s-Johnson Syndrome

Triggered by allopurinol, mediated by CD8+ killing of keratinocytes