ijms-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

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 4155

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

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 1161
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
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 1365 KiB  
Review
Regulators and Conductors of Immunity: Natural Immune System in Health and Autoimmunity
by Katalin Böröcz, Dávid Szinger, Diána Simon, Timea Berki and Péter Németh
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115413 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 644
Abstract
Natural autoantibodies (nAAbs) recognize self-antigens and are an important component of the immune system, having evolved from invertebrates to vertebrates, and are viewed as stable byproducts of immune function and essential players in health and disease. Initially characterized by their conserved nature and [...] Read more.
Natural autoantibodies (nAAbs) recognize self-antigens and are an important component of the immune system, having evolved from invertebrates to vertebrates, and are viewed as stable byproducts of immune function and essential players in health and disease. Initially characterized by their conserved nature and multi-reactivity, primarily as IgM isotypes, nAAbs are now recognized for their adaptability in response to infections and vaccinations, bridging innate and adaptive immunity. The nAAbs and the cellular elements, such as γδ T, iNKT, and MAIT cells, of the natural immune system perform a primary defense network with moderate antigen-specificity. This comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the role of natural autoantibodies (nAAbs) in health and disease. The review focused on research published over the past 40 years, emphasizing studies related to infectious diseases, vaccinations, and autoimmune disorders. Recent studies suggest that nAAbs engage in complex interactions in autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Their roles in immunological processes, such as maternal tolerance during pregnancy, further underscore their complexity. Emerging evidence indicates that nAAbs and the cellular elements of the natural immune system may contribute to both disease pathogenesis and protective mechanisms, highlighting their dual nature. Continued research on nAAbs is vital for improving our understanding of immune responses and developing therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

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 1843
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
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop