ABSTRACT
By definition, autoimmunity is a consequence of inappropriate survival and activation of self-reactive cells in the immune system. Inappropriate survival may be caused directly by mutations in the molecular pathways that signal cell death, by persistent activation of survival (antiapoptotic) pathways or by alterations that affect the threshold of signaling through the antigen receptors. In this review, we will briefly discuss why, where and how death decisions are made and the consequences of failure of the normal physiology of apoptosis.
