Autoantibodies to intracellular antigens, with particular reference to transfer RNA and related proteins in myositis.

The common autoantibody systems are relatively few in number. The antibodies often exhibit associations with particular diseases and with one another. Furthermore, many of the corresponding antigens also exhibit striking biochemical interrelationships. In some cases the antigens comprise elements of a macromolecular complex or particle, suggesting that the complexes are likely to be the immunogens. The complexes frequently contain or interact with nucleic acids. Detailed analysis of the nature of the antigens and their interactions with autoantibodies offers promising insights into the origin of the antibodies and of autoimmune disease. This thesis is illustrated with particular reference to the myositis specific antigens.