Current concepts and diagnostic evaluation of autoimmune disease

This article discusses autoimmune reactions and the numerous mechanisms by which an autoimmune response may be initiated, including genetic factors, T-cell bypass mechanisms, and idiotypes. Human autoimmune diseases are classified into three main groups, ie, organ-specific, non-organ specific, and disorders with non-organ-specific autoantibodies with lesions restricted to one or a few organs, that are examined in detail. General laboratory tests and interpretation of results in relation to state or treatment of the particular disease, age and sex of the patient, and the sensitivity of the test system used are reviewed.