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Related Concept Videos

Autoimmune Disorders01:29

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Modeling Multiple Sclerosis in the Two Sexes: MOG35-55-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
05:44

Modeling Multiple Sclerosis in the Two Sexes: MOG35-55-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: October 13, 2023

Progesterone and autoimmune disease.

Grant C Hughes1

  • 1University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356428, Seattle, WA 98195–6428, USA. hughesg@uw.edu

Autoimmunity Reviews
|December 24, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Progesterone (Pg) influences autoimmune disease (AD) risk differently based on its levels and synthetic forms. Understanding these sex steroid effects is crucial for developing targeted AD therapies.

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Last Updated: May 26, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Autoimmune diseases (ADs) like SLE show female predominance, suggesting sex hormones influence disease risk.
  • Sex steroids are implicated as key modulators of genetic predisposition to AD.
  • The specific roles of progesterone (Pg) in AD pathogenesis remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of progesterone (Pg) and synthetic progestins on autoimmune disease risk.
  • To explore how varying concentrations and receptor interactions of Pg impact immune responses.
  • To elucidate the distinct mechanisms of Pg compared to other sex steroids in modulating immune-mediated injury.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiologic, observational, and experimental evidence.
  • Analysis of studies examining Pg and progestin effects on immune cells and organs.
  • Integration of genetic discoveries in human AD with sex-specific associations.

Main Results:

  • Progesterone (Pg) exhibits concentration-dependent immunomodulatory effects.
  • Low physiological Pg levels may enhance interferon-alpha (IFN-α) pathways implicated in SLE.
  • Pregnancy levels of Pg may suppress disease activity in RA and MS by inhibiting Th1/Th17 pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Progesterone's (Pg) impact on AD risk is complex and differs from estrogens and androgens.
  • Understanding Pg's cellular and molecular targets in vivo is essential for clarifying its role in AD.
  • Future research should integrate genetic findings to elucidate sex-specific mechanisms of sex steroid action in AD.