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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Interrogating Individual Autoreactive Germinal Centers by Photoactivation in a Mixed Chimeric Model of Autoimmunity

Interrogating Individual Autoreactive Germinal Centers by Photoactivation in a Mixed Chimeric Model of Autoimmunity

Published on: April 11, 2019

Infections and autoimmunity: a panorama.

V Pordeus¹, M Szyper-Kravitz, R A Levy

¹Clinical Research, Pro Cardiaco Hospital Research Center-PROCEP, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology

|January 31, 2008

Summary

Chronic infections with certain viruses and bacteria may trigger autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. Early life exposure to beneficial microbes like lactobacilli may protect against these conditions.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Microbiology
Infectious Diseases

Background:

Historical disease causation theories evolved from supernatural beliefs to the germ theory.
The rise of chronic and autoimmune diseases necessitates re-evaluating the role of microorganisms.
Current models lack clear explanations for the link between infections and autoimmune conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the literature on associations between infections and 16 autoimmune diseases.
To critically analyze clinical, serological, and molecular evidence.
To explore experimental models of infection-induced autoimmunity and protection.

Main Methods:

Literature review of clinical, serological, and molecular studies.
Analysis of experimental models for autoimmune disease induction and prevention by infection.
Examination of the role of microbiota and endogenous retroviruses.

Main Results:

Chronic infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, H. pylori) are implicated in autoimmune disease development in susceptible individuals.
A pattern suggests infections can influence autoimmune disease progression.
The healthy carriage state of infections is common and warrants further investigation.

Conclusions:

Understanding the mechanisms of healthy infection carriage is crucial for differentiating between health and chronic illness.
Early colonization with 'old friends' microbes (e.g., lactobacilli, bifidobacteria) may be vital for immune health and protection.
Further research should focus on the transition from healthy carriage to infectious or autoimmune syndromes.