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Molecular mimicry and auto-immunity

Miri Blank1, Ori Barzilai, Yehuda Shoenfeld

  • 1The Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|April 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Molecular mimicry, where microbial antigens resemble host structures, was initially seen as a pathogen defense. It is now understood to potentially trigger autoimmune diseases by confusing the host immune system.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The concept of molecular mimicry was introduced in 1964 by R. Damian.
  • Initially, molecular mimicry was proposed as a microbial defense mechanism against host immune responses.
  • Later, the definition evolved to include the potential for microbial mimicry to trigger autoimmune diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the concept of molecular mimicry.
  • To explain the link between infections and autoimmune diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the historical and conceptual development of molecular mimicry.
  • Analysis of structural similarities between pathogen and self-antigens.

Main Results:

  • Molecular mimicry involves structural similarities (shared amino acid sequences or conformational structures) between pathogen/metabolite and self-antigens.
  • This mimicry can lead to the host immune system attacking its own tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular mimicry provides a framework for understanding how infections can precipitate autoimmune responses.
  • The phenomenon is a significant factor in the etiology of many autoimmune diseases.

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