Current views of autoimmune diseases

Our understanding of the biological basis of self-recognition and of the origin of autoimmune disease has changed dramatically during the past decade. On the basis of studies of human and experimental autoimmune thyroiditis, we suggest that protection against autoimmunity requires continued active suppression. Autoimmunity can be triggered by a shift in the balance between antigen-specific helper T cells and antigen-specific or non-specific suppressors. If changes can be introduced into this balance, greatly improved and targeted approaches to treatment of autoimmunity can be envisioned in the future.