autoantigener
An autoantigen is a self molecule, typically a protein, nucleic acid, or lipid, that can be recognized by the adaptive immune system. In healthy individuals, central and peripheral tolerance limit or eliminate self-reactive lymphocytes to prevent autoimmunity. When tolerance fails or self-antigens are altered, released, or presented in inflammatory contexts, autoantigens may trigger autoimmune responses.
Autoantigens can be tissue-specific, such as myelin basic protein in the nervous system, or ubiquitous, like
Common examples include anti-dsDNA and anti-nucleosome antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB in Sjögren’s
Exposure to autoantigens can occur through cell death, defective clearance of apoptotic debris, or molecular mimicry