Festkörpereigene

Festkörpereigene, also known as autoantigens, refers to molecules or structures that are inherently part of an individual's own cells and tissues, which the immune system typically recognizes as "self." Under normal circumstances, these self-components do not provoke an immune response, allowing the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self and prevent autoimmune reactions.

In certain conditions, however, the immune system may erroneously identify festkörpereigene as foreign, leading to the development of autoimmune diseases. Autoantibodies or autoreactive T-cells target these endogenous components, causing tissue damage and inflammation. Examples of autoantigens include structural proteins, enzymes, and nuclear components such as double-stranded DNA, Ro/SSA, and La/SSB.

The identification of festkörpereigene involved in disease processes is important for diagnosis and understanding autoimmune pathogenesis. Autoantigens can be tissue-specific or more broadly expressed across various tissues. Environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and molecular mimicry are among the mechanisms that may contribute to loss of immune tolerance and subsequent autoimmune responses.

Research into festkörpereigene continues to inform therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring immune tolerance. Treatments often focus on suppressing the aberrant immune response or specifically targeting autoreactive immune cells and autoantibodies. Understanding the nature and behavior of autoantigens remains a key area in immunology and autoimmune disease management.