Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Quantification of Autoreactive Antibodies in Mice upon Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: December 1, 2023
Can unresolved infection precipitate autoimmune disease?
D J B Marks1, N A Mitchison, A W Segal
1Centre for Molecular Medicine, University College London, UK.
Abstract:
Autoimmune diseases are frequently postulated to arise as post-infectious phenomena. Here we survey the evidence supporting these theories, with particular emphasis on Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Direct proof that infection establishes persistent autoimmunity remains lacking, although it may provoke a prolonged inflammatory response when occurring on a susceptible immunological background. The argument of infective causality is by no means trivial, since it carries important consequences for the safety of vaccine development.
Related Concept Videos
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction

