Pathogenic Autoantibodies

Pathogenic autoantibodies are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and react with an individual's own tissues or organs, leading to inflammation, tissue injury, and the development of autoimmune diseases. They are typically high-affinity IgG (or sometimes IgA) molecules that have undergone somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination. They contribute to disease through mechanisms such as loss of self-tolerance, molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and altered antigen presentation. Targeting these antibodies is a major strategy for treating severe autoimmune conditions.

Other names

Disease-causing autoantibodiesAutoreactive antibodiesSelf-reactive antibodies

B-cell/plasma cell depletion, antibody neutralization, immunosuppression