From autoinflammation to autoimmunity: old and recent findings

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Autoimmune diseases (ADs) and autoinflammatory diseases share genetic and clinical traits, including inflammatory flares.
• Both disease types involve complex interactions between innate and adaptive immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the interconnectedness of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in autoimmune diseases.
• To highlight the role of inflammasomes and IL-1ß in the pathogenesis of ADs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on the immunopathogenesis of ADs.
• Analysis of the roles of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), inflammasomes, and cytokines like IL-1ß.

Main Results:

• The initial phase of ADs involves innate immunity, including TLRs and autoantibody synthesis.
• The second phase involves adaptive immunity, with autoantibodies and nucleic acids driving inflammation.
• Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) acts as a critical link between innate (NLR activation) and adaptive immune responses.

Conclusions:

• While traditionally viewed as adaptive immunity disorders, ADs increasingly show involvement of innate immunity and inflammasomes.
• Understanding the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity is crucial for comprehending AD pathogenesis.
• IL-1ß is a central mediator connecting innate and adaptive immune pathways in ADs.