Pathogenic antigens and autoantibodies

Pathogenic antigens and autoantibodies represent a broad category of immune-related molecules rather than a single, specific therapeutic target. Pathogenic antigens are foreign substances, such as proteins or polysaccharides derived from bacteria, viruses, or fungi, that are recognized by the immune system to trigger a defensive response (Janeway's Immunobiology, 2016). Autoantibodies are endogenous antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body's own proteins, leading to tissue damage and chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases like myasthenia gravis or systemic lupus erythematosus (StatPearls, 2023). Therapeutic interventions in this space do not target a single receptor but instead focus on neutralizing these harmful entities or accelerating their clearance from the body. For instance, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors like efgartigimod are designed to reduce the levels of circulating pathogenic IgG autoantibodies (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2022). Because this term encompasses a vast and heterogeneous group of molecules, it is considered a clinical category or a pathological mechanism rather than a discrete molecular target.

Other names

AntigensAutoantigensSelf-antigensPathogen-associated molecular patternsExogenous antigensImmune complexes

Neutralization of circulating antigens, depletion of B-lymphocytes to prevent antibody production, or inhibition of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) to increase the catabolism of pathogenic IgG antibodies.