The role of apoptosis in autoantibody production.

Apoptosis is the physiologic process that guarantees the cellular exchange; after apoptosis the cellular remains are cleared by phagocytosis. In autoimmunity, some mechanisms in apoptosis fail and may result in disease. For instance, a failure in the Fas pathway during lymphoid ontogeny may allow the survival of autoimmune clones; equally the lack of clearance of apoptotic corps containing self-antigens may activate pre-existent auto-reactive clones and may result in autoantibody production. The role of apoptosis in autoimmunity is reviewed.