[Pathogenetic features of autoimmune disorders].

Several disease susceptibility genes and environmental factors are implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases. Recent investigations help us to gain more and more deep insight into the pathomechanism of diseases with autoimmune pathomechanism. Rare monogenic diseases, caused by mutations of certain key susceptibility genes, animal models of autoimmune diseases as well as SNP- and microarray investigations contribute to our better understanding of autoimmune diseases. There are still numerous problematic questions related to autoimmunity. Current research in genomics might possibly provide us a basis for preventive medicine in the case of autoimmune diseases.