Abstract

The Molecular Aspects of Autoimmunity contains a selection of the papers presented at the first of a series of biannual meetings on molecular aspects of autoimmunity held in L'Esterel, Quebec, Canada, October 30-November 2, 1988. The book contains 20 chapters and begins with a study of the expression of the Ly-1 gene and V gene families in autoantibodies. This is followed by separate chapters on the structural characteristics of human IgM autoantibodies; human IgV gene segments for autoantibodies; and the genetic basis of anti-DNA immune responses. Subsequent chapters cover topics such as the epibodies from the immune response to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR); the specificities and idiotypes of anti-histone H1 autoantibodies; T cell tolerance; and T cell antigen receptor (TCR) gene biology and the genomic composition and expressed repertoire of these genes in several autoimmune and normal mouse strains. Also discussed are MHC Class II associations with autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease.