Autoantibodies are a group of antibodies (immune proteins) that mistakenly target and damage specific tissues or organs of the body. One or more autoantibodies may be produced by a person's immune system when it fails to distinguish between "self" and "non-self" proteins. Usually the immune system is able to discriminate by recognising foreign substances (non-self) and ignoring the body's own cells (self), yet not overreact to non-threatening substances such as foods, dust and pollen, or beneficial microorganisms. It creates antibodies only when it perceives what it has been exposed to as a threat (non-self). When the immune system ceases to recognise one or more of the body's normal constituents as "self", it may produce autoantibodies that attack its own cells, tissues, and/or organs, causing inflammation and damage. The causes of this inappropriate action are varied and are not well understood, often resulting in a chronic auto-immune disorder. While there is not a direct link, it is thought that many cases of autoantibody production are due to a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental trigger (such as a viral illness or a prolonged exposure to certain toxic chemicals). Some families have been shown to have a high prevalence of auto-immune conditions; however, individual family members may have different auto-immune disorders or may never develop an auto-immune condition. Researchers believe that there may also be a hormonal component to the cause as many of the auto-immune conditions are more common in women of childbearing age. This book presents leading research from throughout the world.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the occurrence of antibodies reacting with self-constituents of the body. The fully updated third edition of Autoantibodies is an in-depth review of the main autoantibodies identified up to now, with particular emphasis on those that display a diagnostic or prognostic clinical value. The new edition covers recent scientific advances, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic technologies. Each chapter is focused on a single family of autoantibodies. This important reference contains historical notes, definitions, origins and sources of antigens recognized genetic associations, mediated pathogenic mechanisms, methods of detection, as well as clinical utility (disease prevalence and association, diagnostic value, sensitivity and specificity, prognostic value). This is an ideal reference for anyone involved in the field of autoimmune diseases. - Presents all known, important autoantibodies in a single source, focusing on the antibodies needed for autoimmune disorder diagnosis - Includes clinical applications for each autoantibody along with general information - Organized by disease and disorder type, by autoantibody family, and completely cross-referenced

The Janeway's Immunobiology CD-ROM, Immunobiology Interactive, is included with each book, and can be purchased separately. It contains animations and videos with voiceover narration, as well as the figures from the text for presentation purposes.

Combining principles of modern immunology with applications to immunopathology, this reference documents developments in the immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases - emphasizing monoclonal antibody and peptide approaches. receptor itself to intervening at the level of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, Monoclonal Antibodies and Peptide Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases: provides an update on T-cell basic science; discusses most monoclonal antibodies used in autoimmune disease experiments; describes the concept of peptide therapy in its various forms; and presents fundamental pharmacological data that clarify the clinical usage of these new agents. Therapy in Autoimmune Diseases should be a useful resource for immunologists, rheumatologists, pharmacologists, pathologists, dermatologists, nephrologists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.