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Basic Mechanisms of Physiological and Pathological Autoimmunity and Their Role in the Development of Autoimmune Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 3115

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti u, 12, 7643 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: immunology; autoimmunity; autoimmune diseases; immunological methods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the commencement of a Special Issue focusing on the significant topic of autoimmune research. Understanding the intricate relationship between physiological and pathological autoimmunity is paramount in elucidating the complexities inherent in the development of autoimmune diseases.

Over the past decades, extensive research has been conducted on physiological/natural and pathological autoimmunity, revealing the crucial role of the natural autoimmunity network in acting as a frontline defense against infections and facilitating the prompt clearance of dead cells and cell debris. Recent studies have shed light on how natural immunity contributes to the efficacy of vaccinations and aids in defending against mutated and tumorous cells. These aspects collectively form vital components of physiological immune regulation.

Simultaneously, the genetic backdrop and individual status of the physiological autoimmune network can render an organism susceptible to a targeted immune response triggered by specific environmental factors, resulting in prolonged attacks on its own structures and the eventual onset of autoimmune diseases.

We invite submissions of original articles, mini reviews, or theoretical papers for consideration in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Péter Németh
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • physiologic autoimmunity
  • autoimmune diseases
  • natural immune system
  • pathologic autoimmunity

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1222 KiB  
Article
The Spleen Modulates the Balance of Natural and Pathological Autoantibodies in a Mouse Model of Autoimmune Arthritis
by Katalin Olasz, Szonja Gál, Esam Khanfar, Péter Balogh, Péter Németh, Tímea Berki and Ferenc Boldizsár
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111683 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1028
Abstract
Natural autoantibodies (natAAbs) react with evolutionarily conserved antigens but they do not lead to pathological tissue destruction, contrary to pathological autoantibodies (pathAAbs). NatAAbs usually belong to the IgM isotype, and their network, also known as the “immunological homunculus”, is thought to play a [...] Read more.
Natural autoantibodies (natAAbs) react with evolutionarily conserved antigens but they do not lead to pathological tissue destruction, contrary to pathological autoantibodies (pathAAbs). NatAAbs usually belong to the IgM isotype, and their network, also known as the “immunological homunculus”, is thought to play a role in immunological tolerance. NatAAbs are produced by B1 cells found mostly on the serosa surfaces or the spleen. The exact relation between natAAbs and pathAAbs is still not completely understood. The recombinant human proteoglycan (PG) aggrecan G1 domain (rhG1)-induced arthritis (GIA) is an excellent mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis because it represents most of the clinical, immunological and laboratory parameters of the corresponding human pathology. Recently, we studied the role of the spleen in GIA, and found that a splenectomy modified the development of autoimmunity. To further characterize the possible role of the nAAb levels in tolerance and autoimmunity, in the present study, we set out to measure the nat- and pathAAb levels in GIA. We analyzed the natAAb levels in the serum against cartilage PG aggrecan, Hsp60 and Hsp70, and the mitochondrial citrate synthase (CS) antigens in healthy control and arthritic mice. Furthermore, we studied whether the splenectomy influenced the production of nat- and pathAAbs in mice with GIA. Our results show that the natAAb levels against PG aggrecan, Hsp60, Hsp70 and CS showed age-related variations in healthy BALB/c mice. The induction of autoimmune arthritis did not change the levels of the measured natAAbs significantly. Splenectomy, on the other hand, clearly decreased the levels of all the measured natAAbs. Interestingly, the levels of the pathAAbs showed the opposite change: they were higher in the splenectomized group than in the control arthritic mice. Based on these results, we conclude that the spleen plays a role in setting the balance between nat- and pathAAbs in autoimmune arthritis. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 1323 KiB  
Review
Dairy: Friend or Foe? Bovine Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Autoimmune Diseases
by Hairui Ou, Tamas Imre Csuth, Tamas Czompoly and Krisztian Kvell
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111499 - 26 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635
Abstract
Due to the availability, scalability, and low immunogenicity, bovine milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) are increasingly considered to be a promising carrier of nanomedicines for future therapy. However, considering that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are of biological origin, different sources of EVs, including the host [...] Read more.
Due to the availability, scalability, and low immunogenicity, bovine milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) are increasingly considered to be a promising carrier of nanomedicines for future therapy. However, considering that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are of biological origin, different sources of EVs, including the host origin and the specific cells that produce the EVs, may have different effects on the structure and function of EVs. Additionally, MEVs play an important role in immune regulation, due to their evolutionary conserved cargo, such as cytokines and miRNAs. Their potential effects on different organs, as well as their accumulation in the human body, should not be overlooked. In this review, we have summarized current impacts and research progress brought about by utilizing MEVs as nano-drug carriers. Nevertheless, we also aim to explore the possible connections between the molecules involved in cellular immunity, cytokines and miRNAs of MEVs produced under different health conditions, and autoimmune diseases. Full article
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