Human natural autoantibodies: Lessons from physiology and prospects for therapy

Natural autoantibodies are present in normal serum. A large body of evidenc e now supports the notion that not only is autoreactivity physiological, bu t it is actually essential for the acquisition and maintenance of tolerance to self. Here, Srini V, Kaveri and colleagues discuss the physicochemical and functional properties of natural autoantibodies, and their use for ther apeutic intervention in immune-mediated disorders.