Transcription factors in autoimmunity.

The identification of two transcription factors that, when mutated, are responsible for severe autoimmune disease in humans is leading to a better understanding of the fundamental processes involved in T-cell tolerance. Both AIRE and FOXP3, identified initially via their association with genetically manipulated mice, are critically involved in tolerance induction in humans. Although mutations in these genes may cause rare but serious diseases, it is likely that other transcription factors will contribute to the genetic load that predisposes certain individuals to disease.