Figure 2. Three axes of immune dysfunction.

Schematic representation of conceptually orthogonal ways in which dysregulated immunity leads to human disease: autoinflammation (aberrant antigen-independent immune activation), autoimmunity / allergy (aberrant antigen-dependent immune activation), and immunodeficiency (defects in innate or adaptive immunity resulting in inadequate defense against pathogens). For simplicity, the axes are depicted as beginning at a common origin reflecting normal immune function. However, some immune states might potentially cross this origin, as for example enhanced resistance to plague in individuals bearing mutant MEFV.