Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
09:38

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Published on: September 12, 2016

Suppression of autoimmunity via microbial mimics of altered peptide ligands

L Steinman1, P J Utz, W H Robinson

  • 1Dept of Neurological Sciences and Interdepartmental Program in Immunology, Beckman Center for Molecular Medicine B002, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA. steinman@stanford.edu

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|December 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Molecular mimics, like altered peptide ligands, can treat autoimmune diseases. Microbial immunity may explain disease relapses and remissions by mimicking self-epitopes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

  • Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.
  • Altered peptide ligands (molecular mimics) show potential in treating autoimmune conditions.
  • The role of microbial factors in autoimmune disease pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of molecular mimics in ameliorating autoimmune disease.
  • To explore the link between microbial antigens and self-epitopes in autoimmunity.
  • To understand how microbial immunity influences the course of autoimmune diseases like experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized proteomic autoantibody microarrays for comprehensive analysis.
  • Studied experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a model for autoimmune disease.
  • Analyzed microbial features that mimic self-epitopes.

Main Results:

  • Identified a diverse range of microbes possessing features that mimic self-epitopes.
  • Demonstrated that molecular mimics can act as altered peptide ligands.
  • Provided evidence for microbial modulation of autoimmune responses.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular mimics of self-antigens offer a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases.
  • Microbial mimicry of self-epitopes is a significant factor in autoimmune disease.
  • Microbial immunity plays a crucial role in the cyclical nature (relapse and remission) of autoimmune conditions.

More Related Videos

Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation09:07

Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation

Published on: June 24, 2025

Production and Testing of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Mimics10:35

Production and Testing of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Mimics

Published on: April 10, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...