Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a wide spectrum of auto-antibodies which recognize several cellular components. The production of these self-reactive antibodies fluctuates during the course of the disease and the involvement of different antibody-secreting cell populations are considered highly relevant for the disease pathogenesis. These cells are developed and stimulate...

Rats immunized with renal tubular antigens were protected from the development of interstitial nephritis by pretreatment with tubular antigen-reactive T lymphoblasts. Protected animals developed anti-idiotypic antibodies against idiotypes primarily within the antigen-binding region of monoclonal antitubular basement membrane antibodies. These studies extend the concept of auto-anti-idiotypic re...

Women with connective tissue diseases increase risks of obstetric complications during pregnancy. Especially, women who have anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La auto-antibodies increase the risk of developing fetal atrioventricular (AV) block. It is difficult to indentify fetal AV block in the early stage of the disease, which is consequently found after the establishment of complete AV block as the fo...

Atherothrombosis is the major determinant of acute ischaemic cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Inflammatory processes have been linked to all phases of atherogenesis In particular, the identification of autoimmunity mediators in the complex microenvironment of chronic inflammation has become the focus of attention in both early and advanced atherogenic processes. ...

Monoclonal antibodies are now established as key therapeutics for a range of diseases including cancer and auto-immunity. However, despite important improvements, these molecules still face several serious limitations including production costs and tumor penetration. A new class of antibody fragments, made of a single immunoglobulin domain, is emerging as an exciting alternative. This review de...

A non-immunocompromised man developed acute Aspergillus pneumonia after spreading mouldy tree bark mulch. Despite normal renal function at presentation, he developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with acute kidney injury due to anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies (anti-GBM) 4 weeks later. He remained dialysis dependent and died of sepsis 10 months later. We hypothesise that he...

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune diseasein which tissue-binding auto-antibodies and immune complex depositioncause damage to multiple organs systems.We report rare case of SLE in 31-year-old male patient. He has past history unprovoked deep vein thrombosis right lower limb for 8 years, treated with anticoagulant therapy but not evaluated further. The patient went on de...

Using the metaphor of biological organism fighting foreign invasion with its antibodies, I analyze some problems associated “scapegoating” foreigners in sites surveillance. In this essay, assess portability metaphor, not only US security and surveillance like airport other ports immigration, but also everyday interactions/transactions streets, stores, classroom. My analysis assessments are base...