Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes as autoantigens in human autoimmune disorders - An update

Several diseases are characterized by the presence of autoantibodies directed against either CYP or xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. They may be induced by toxic or idiopathic event. Very little is known about the mechanism of their triggering. When a toxic compound was identified, the metabolic part was quite well-characterized and variations of metabolism could be a risk factor in the development of the disease (e.g., dihydralazine-induced hepatitis). But in all the cases the abnormal immunological response is not understood, although it seems clear that the autoantibodies are not by themselves responsible for the disease.