Abstract

In the past few years, our extensive knowledge of the mammalian immune system and our increasing ability to understand the genetic causes of complex human disease have opened a window onto the pathways that lead to autoimmune disorders. In addition to the well-established role of genetic variation that affects the major histocompatibility complex, a number of rare and common variants that affect a range of immunological pathways are now known to have important influences on the phenotypic diversity that is seen among autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have also highlighted a previously unanticipated interplay between the innate and adaptive immune system, providing a new direction for research in this field.

Author affiliations

1. Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.
2. Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, USA.

Correspondence to: Peter K. Gregersen¹ Email: peterg@nshs.edu

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.