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Apoptosis and antiphospholipid antibodies
1Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University College of London, UK.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|January 1, 1999
Summary
Abnormalities in apoptosis, a natural cell death process, may trigger the production of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). These antibodies are central to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are implicated in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a role in various autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between apoptosis and the development of aPL.
- To understand the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of APS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on apoptosis and autoimmune phenomena.
- Analysis of experimental and human pathology data.
Main Results:
- Exposure of phospholipids during apoptosis may stimulate aPL production.
- Pathogenic aPL target molecular complexes formed during apoptosis.
- Clearance of apoptotic cells by aPL may enhance the immune response.
- Genetic factors are crucial for developing this immune response.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of apoptosis in autoimmune diseases likely serves as an antigenic stimulus for aPL production.
- Apoptosis abnormalities contribute to the autoimmune processes in APS.