Related Experiment Videos
Apoptosis and cell penetration by autoantibody may represent linked processes
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida Health Sciences Center, Gainesville, USA.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|December 28, 1999
Summary
This study hypothesizes a link between programmed cell death (apoptosis) and autoantibody cell penetration. Autoantigens in apoptotic blebs may be accessed by autoantibodies that can enter living cells, suggesting a novel autoimmune pathway.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, releases cellular components.
- Apoptotic blebs contain autoantigens previously linked to autoimmune diseases.
- Evidence suggests some autoantibodies can penetrate living cells and their nuclei.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a hypothesis linking apoptosis and autoantibody cell penetration.
- To explore a potential mechanism in autoimmune disease generation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence.
- Hypothetical model development.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic blebs may serve as a source of autoantigens.
- Autoantibodies capable of cell penetration could interact with intracellular autoantigens released during apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- A novel association between apoptosis and autoantibody cell penetration is hypothesized.
- This proposed mechanism may contribute to the development or progression of certain autoimmune conditions.