Autoimmunity and endocrinology

The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrinopathies are now much clearer as a result of advances in our understanding of basic immunology, and particularly the development of novel animal models. Also crucial has been the molecular characterisation of target autoantigens, although this still remains elusive for some disorders, such as hypoparathyroidism and premature ovarian failure, retarding progress. The application of new genetic techniques, the detailed structural analysis of autoantigen epitopes and the creation of new experimental animal disorders (by DNA immunisation or knockouts) will ensure still more rapid progress into the new millennium.