Mechanisms underlying autoimmunity in hematology

Organ-specific autoimmune diseases are directed primarily at the autoantigens of particular tissues, for example, platelets in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) and erythrocytes in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). These particular diseases are the major autoimmune disorders in hematology. This review will outline the etiology of AITP and AIHA and discuss that although the two disorders are mediated by autoantibodies, T cell defects are the major driving force behind autoantibody production.

Section editors:Terry Delovitch – The John P Robarts Research Institute, London, Ont., CanadaDavid Scott – University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA