Sex hormones, glucocorticoids and autoimmunity: facts and hypotheses
Article Abstract:
The evidence strongly suggests that the sex hormones, estrogen and androgen, play a role in immune responses and autoimmune diseases. This would explain differences in prevalence and severity of autoimmune diseases between males and females. Sex hormones may interact directly with immune system cells, or they may have indirect effects. They may act indirectly by affecting the secretion of other hormones that have direct effects. Although the medical literature seldom examines this, sex hormones almost certainly interact with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system. For example, glucocorticoids, a family of substances controlled by this system, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Animal and human experimental data suggest that females are more dependent on glucocorticoids than males to control immune and inflammatory processes. This appears to be due to the independent protective effects of androgen. This would explain why females are more susceptible to diseases such as rheumatic arthritis and why susceptibility rises in males with age or with low levels of androgens.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Bacterial and viral superantigens: roles in autoimmunity?
Article Abstract:
Bacterial and viral superantigens may play an important role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. Superantigens are proteins that are capable of activating a wide range of T cells, a type of immune cell. Bacterial and viral superantigens do not need to be processed into smaller fragments like other types of antigens to be effective. Instead, they may only be partially processed, or they may not be processed at all. Superantigens are found in a variety of bacteria and viruses including different cancer-causing viruses and HIV. To activate T cells, superantigens must first bind to major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. This complex interacts with receptors on the surface of T cells. Superantigens are also capable of activating polyclonal B cells, which can produce antibodies that react with self.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1993
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