Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Antibody Transfection into Neurons as a Tool to Study Disease Pathogenesis
Published on: September 26, 2012
Immunodeficiency secondary to anticytokine autoantibodies
Sarah K Browne1, Steven M Holland
1Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. brownesa@niaid.nih.gov
Purpose Of Review:
Anticytokine autoantibodies are an important and emerging mechanism of disease pathogenesis. We will review the clinical and laboratory features of syndromes in which immunodeficiency is caused by or associated with neutralizing anticytokine autoantibodies.
Recent Findings:
A growing number of patients have been described who demonstrate unique infectious phenotypes associated with neutralizing autoantibodies that target a particular cytokine known to participate in host defense against the offending organism. Examples include antigranulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; anti-interferon (IFN)-γ autoantibodies and disseminated nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM); anti-interleukin-(IL)-6 autoantibodies and severe staphylococcal skin infection; anti-IL-17A, anti-IL-17F, or anti-IL-22 autoantibodies in patients with mucocutaneous candidiasis in the setting of both the autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, candidiasis, ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) syndrome and in cases of thymoma.
Summary:
Anticytokine autoantibodies have manifestations that are diverse, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening. These emerging and fascinating causes of acquired immunodeficiency may explain some previously idiopathic syndromes.
Related Concept Videos
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Humoral Immune Responses
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...

