Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) is characterized by the production of Coombs' antibodies, which are responsible for the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). Analysis of both monoclonal anti-RBC autoantibodies derived from autoimmune New Zealand black mice and transgenic mice expressing a pathogenic IgM anti-RBC autoantibody has considerably improved our understanding of the B-cell responses involved in AHA, although our knowledge of T-cell immunity in AHA is still limited. The identification of the major T-cell epitope in the context of MHC class II molecules would be of paramount importance in helping to elucidate the cellular and molecular basis central to the development of AHA.