Apoptosis and Autoimmunity

Abstract

More recently, the relationship between autoimmunity and apoptosis has been the focus of much research activity. Apoptosis as a genetically predetermined process is not only a vital mechanism sustaining homeostasis in the regulation of immune reactivity, but, in addition to being an important factor in general cell physiology, produces pronounced morphological changes of cells and the breakdown of cellular constituents by nucleolytic and proteolytic cleavage, resulting in the persisting presence of potential autoantigens. This book presents an up-to-date discussion on apoptosis and its role in autoimmunity.