Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA): Genetics, Immunization, and Autoimmunity

In 2011, a new syndrome termed “ASIA - Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants” was defined, pointing to summarize for the first time the spectrum of immune-mediated diseases triggered by an adjuvant stimulus such as chronic exposure to silicone as well as infectious agents that may exert an adjuvant effect. Several environmental factors have been found capable of inducing autoimmunity in predisposed individuals favored by a prone genetic background. The mechanism by which these adjuvants may then provoke the appearance of autoimmune phenomena are manifold and include molecular mimicry, activation of autoreactive B and T cells, and generation of anti-idiotype responses.