Molecular aspects of autoimmunity

Sustained humoral and/or cellular autoimmune responses are currently thought to be the primary causes of a wide spectrum of systemic and organ-specific human and animal diseases. Although a very good picture of the immunopathological characteristics of these diseases has emerged, their etiologies remain unknown. Studies initiated to define these diseases at the molecular genetic level were the subject of a recent meeting in Ville D'Esterel, Canada. Because these diseases are diverse and enormously complex, several avenues of investigation have been pursued. The primary focus of this meeting was the tripartite system of immunoglobulin (Ig), T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes.