Dysregulation of immune homeostasis in autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Great strides have been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Research has identified genetic associations, new functional subsets of effector and regulatory T cells and the gut microbiota as crucial environmental factors in regulating immune function. This commentary discusses recent advances in our understanding of genetic and environmental factors as well as the role of innate and adaptive immune responses in driving immune-mediated tissue injury.