Autoimmune Addison's disease is a rare and potentially, fatal endocrinopathy, that can occur either isolated or as part of the types I and II polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (PAS). Adrenocortical autoantibodies are considered sensitive immunological markers of the destructive autoimmune process, and can identify individuals in the pre-clinical stage of the disease. The steroidogenic enzyme 21-hydroxylase (P450c21) represents the major adrenal autoantigen, although other P450 cytochromes (17a-hydroxylase and side chain cleavage) can also trigger an autoimmune response, mainly in the PAS type I and in Addison's disease with associated premature ovarian failure. The role of P45021 autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of the adrenal failure is not yet well established, and the same happens with the anti-ACTH receptor antibodies.
Addison's disease; Autoimmunity; Autoantibodies; 21-Hydroxylase; Polyglandular syndromes