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Antigen-specific therapy for autoimmune disease

L C Harrison1, D A Hafler

  • 1Autoimmunity and Transplantation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville 3050, Australia. harrison@wehi.edu.au

The application of self-antigens as therapeutic tools is validated in inbred animal models of autoimmune disease. Mechanisms of antigen-induced tolerance (apoptosis, anergy, regulatory T cells and immune deviation) are being clarified in relation to the properties of antigens and the modes and routes of their delivery. Mucosa-mediated tolerance remains the predominant mode of antigen-specific therapy but awaits demonstration of clinical efficacy in human autoimmune disease.

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