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Adjuvant Activity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Autoantigens During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
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Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and autism: is this a trigger?
1UW Eye Research Institute, 445 Henry Mall #307, Madison, WI 53706, United States. ctdow@me.com
Medical Hypotheses
|September 10, 2011
Summary
This study suggests Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) may trigger autism in genetically susceptible individuals. Molecular mimicry involving MAP
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with elusive causes.
- Autoimmunity and genetic factors, like complement C4 allotypes, are increasingly recognized in autism.
- Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) is linked to various autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of MAP in autoimmunity-related autism.
- To investigate the mechanism of molecular mimicry in triggering autism-associated autoantibodies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on autism, autoimmunity, and MAP infection.
- Postulation of a molecular mimicry mechanism involving MAP's heat shock protein HSP65.
Main Results:
- MAP exposure is widespread and linked to several autoimmune diseases.
- Molecular mimicry between MAP HSP65 and myelin basic protein (MBP) is proposed.
- This mimicry may lead to autoantibodies targeting brain MBP in autism.
Conclusions:
- MAP infection is a potential environmental trigger for a subset of autism patients.
- Autoantibodies generated by MAP molecular mimicry may contribute to autism pathogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to confirm MAP's role in autism and associated autoimmunity.
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