Abstract
Addison's disease is mainly caused by autoimmune destruction of the steroid-producing cells in the adrenal glands. Key enzymes in steroid biosynthesis have been implicated as the major targets of autoantibodies in this disease. The study of B-cell-dependent autoimmune responses reveals two distinguishable forms of Addison's disease. This should permit very accurate diagnosis of the disease and increase future prospects of disease prevention.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Addison Disease / classification
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Addison Disease / immunology*
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Addison Disease / pathology
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Adrenal Cortex / enzymology
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Adrenal Cortex / immunology*
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Adrenal Cortex / pathology
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Autoantibodies / immunology
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Autoantigens / immunology
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Autoimmunity / immunology*
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Female
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Humans
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Major Histocompatibility Complex
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Male
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Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune / immunology
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Steroids / biosynthesis
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
Substances
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Autoantibodies
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Autoantigens
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Steroids