The role of CD4 T helper cells and sialylated antigen-specific IgG antibodies in rheumatic autoimmune diseases [Elektronische Ressource] / Susanne Eiglmeier. Betreuer: Roland Lauster

The role of CD4 T helper cells and sialylated antigen-specific IgG antibodies in rheumatic autoimmune diseases vorgelegt von DiplomBiologin Susanne Eiglmeier aus Könnern Von der Fakultät III Prozesswissenschaften der Technischen Universität Berlin zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Doktor der Naturwissenschaften Dr. rer. Nat. genehmigte Dissertation Promotionsausschuss: Vorsitzender: Prof. Dipl.Ing. Dr. U. Stahl Berichter: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. R. Lauster Berichter: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. M. Ehlers Tag der wissenschaftlichen Aussprache: 5. März. 2011 Berlin 2011 D83 Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are rheumatic autoimmune diseases characterized by IgG autoantibody production. The systemic inflammation observed in SLE patients causes damage to multiple organs due to autoantibodies specific for various nuclear antigens. Otherwise, autoantibodies found in RA patients are mainly directed against the Fcpart of IgG (rheumatoid factor) and collagen type II causing inflammation primarily involving the joints and therefore resulting in destruction of cartilage. T cells contribute to autoimmunity by stimulating the activation and functional differentiation of autoreactive B cells in germinal centers (GCs), which secrete highaffinity, isotypeswitched autoantibodies.