Autosensitivity Diseases

A NUMBER of clinical syndromes are now recognized in which there is immunologic hyperactivity and tissue damage without an obvious exogenous cause for the damage. The concept that immunologic factors are themselves the cause of the damage has been a natural development. Autoantibodies have been found in some of these conditions, and the term "autoimmune diseases" has been used to refer to the disorders. Many prefer the term "autosensitive" or "autoallergic," however, for two reasons: immunity in the classic sense is not involved; and the word "autosensitive" or "autoallergic" carries the important qualification that autoantibodies may represent only a liability . . .