What do autoantibodies bind to, forming complexes that can lead to tissue injury?

Autoantibodies are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and bind to self-antigens, which are molecules naturally present in the body. When these autoantibodies bind to self-antigens, they can form immune complexes. These complexes can deposit in tissues, initiating inflammatory responses that lead to tissue injury and contribute to various autoimmune diseases.

The specificity of autoantibodies to self-antigens is crucial because it is this binding that can disrupt normal physiological functions. In autoimmune conditions, the body’s immune response is misdirected, leading to the destruction of healthy cells. Understanding this concept is vital in pathophysiology, as it underpins many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, clarifying how the body's own immunological defenses can turn against itself.