Addison's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Addison's Disease, including details on chronic adrenal insufficiency, treatment, causes, medication.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) as a model for understanding autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2 (APS-2).

Michels AW, Eisenbarth GS

Department of Medicine, Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado, Denver, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States. Aaron.Michels@ucdenver.edu

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes type 1 and 2 (APS-1 and APS-2) are diverse in regards to their component diseases and immunologic features of pathogenesis. Animal models and human studies highlight the importance of alleles of HLA (human leukocyte antigen)-like molecules determining tissue specific targeting that with the loss of tolerance leads to organ specific autoimmunity. Knowledge of the syndromes and component diseases allows clinicians to recognize and prevent illness prior to morbidity. With the current understanding of the syndromes, a paradigm for diagnosis, screening and treatment can be established. Once genetically susceptible individuals are identified screening for autoantibodies can be performed. Amongst autoantibody positive individuals, monitoring for physiologic decompensation, with a goal of treating prior to morbidity and in some cases mortality, follows. With continued basic and clinical research, therapies aimed at treating the underlying autoimmunity and disease prevention should become possible.

Published 22 April 2009 in J Intern Med, 265(5): 530-40.
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