Lost in translation: barriers to implementing clinical immunotherapeutics for autoimmunity

Induction of selective, autoantigen-specific tolerance is the holy grail for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases. Despite successes in many differential murine models, rational and efficient translation to the clinic has been difficult. During the 5th Annual Federation of Clinical Immunological Societies ( FOCIS) Meeting, May 12 - 16, 2005, in Boston, MA, a Kirin-sponsored Ideashop was convened to discuss this theme amongst scientists, clinicians, industry partners, and funding agencies.