Figure 13.15. Serum from some patients with autoimmune disease can transfer the same disease to experimental animals.

Figure 13.15Serum from some patients with autoimmune disease can transfer the same disease to experimental animals

When the autoantigen is very similar in humans and mice or rats, the transfer of antibody from an affected human can cause the same symptoms in an experimental animal. For example, antibody from patients with Graves' disease frequently produces thyroid activation in rats.

From: Autoimmune responses are directed against self antigens

Cover of Immunobiology
Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. 5th edition.
Janeway CA Jr, Travers P, Walport M, et al.
New York: Garland Science; 2001.
Copyright © 2001, Garland Science.

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