Mercury-induced autoimmunity in genetically susceptible strains is characterized by T-cell-induced
polyclonal B-cell activation, increased levels of IgE and IgG1, production of autoantibodies to
laminin, polyclonal production of antinuclear antibodies, and systemic deposits of immunocomplexes,
especially in the renal vessels [45–48]. The biochemical pathomechanisms may include a B-cell-activating
agent which belongs to the family of tumor necrosis factors [49], and disturbed signal transduction
at the T-cell-receptor (TCR) [50] as well as T-cells and Fc-receptors [45]. When mercury-sensitive
newborns are treated with mercury(II) chloride, they become mercury-resistant [51]. This might be
caused by a CD8-T-cell-mediated reaction [52].