Heat shock proteins: immunity and immunopathology

Abstract

Much interest has been generated in heat shock proteins (hsps) since they were implicated as dominant antigens of infectious microorganisms and suggested to have a role in the development of adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats. Advances in the understanding of the role of hsps in immunity and immunopathology were recently discussed at a meeting held in Utrecht, as part of the European Community concerted action on immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy of chronic arthritis.