| Summary: | Autoimmune Reactions tackles fundamental questions about how the immune system can destroy invading microbial pathogens without causing damage to itself and other "self" systems. The authoritative experts writing here explore the mechanistic aspects of such autoimmune diseases as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid disease, and where possible delineate how malfunctioning immunological mechanisms can lead to clinical symptoms. They also discuss possible general mechanisms of autoimmune disease-e.g., molecular mimicry and dysfunctional antigen presentation-and their current limitations as unifying explanations of the diseases described. In addition, evidence for novel immunological phenomena, including antibody catalysis and the penetration of cells by antibodies, is reviewed, and their possible biological consequences are identified. The book also critically surveys the concepts and research that should eventually permit development of palliatives and cures for autoimmune diseases, as well as approaches to the long-standing problem of self-nonself discrimination by the immune system. The comprehensive, insightful overview provided in Autoimmune Reactions constitutes the new standard reference for all practicing autoimmunologists, molecular immunologists, cellular and molecular pathologists, and clinical immunologists who need to remain at the cutting-edge of research on autoimmune disease today
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