What Role Does Insufficient Apoptosis Play in Autoimmune Diseases?
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Insufficient apoptosis can exacerbate this condition by allowing the survival of autoreactive immune cells that should be eliminated. For example, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a failure to clear apoptotic cells properly can lead to the presentation of self-antigens, triggering an autoimmune response. Thus, a tightly regulated apoptotic process is crucial for maintaining immune tolerance.
