Oncogenes and autoimmunity

Vertebrate cells harbor genes (proto-oncogenes) which carry the potential to become dominant transforming genes or oncogenes. Evolutionary conservation is the hallmark of these genes which implies that they have a major role in the growth and differentiation of the cells. In vitro activation of various cell types (immune cells, fibroblasts, etc.) leads to increased expression of various oncogenes in a certain temporal sequential order. Lymphoid cells from mice with autoimmune disorders have been shown to exhibit increased oncogene expression. Mononuclear cells from patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and certain autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis) express increased quantities of certain oncogenes. In this review, we discuss the role of oncogenes in the activation of immune cells and the pathogenesis of human autoimmunity.