The Pathogenesis of Proteinase 3 ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

ANCA-associated vasculitis is a rare but serious autoimmune disease, which causes inflammation and damage to blood vessels particularly in the kidneys and lungs. Treatment involves toxic medications, which can cause serious side effects and often must be continued for many years. Significant knowledge gaps exist in the field, including understanding the mechanism of risk of identified genetic risk factors for disease development. This thesis considers how and why this disease develops, suggests alternative methods for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring, and looks to exciting potential treatments which aim to treat autoimmune diseases at their source.