Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 19, 2026

Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope
08:09

Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope

Published on: March 24, 2017

Analogous amino acid sequences in myelin proteolipid and viral proteins

S Y Shaw, R A Laursen, M B Lees

    FEBS Letters
    |October 27, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Computer analysis reveals viral protein similarities in myelin proteolipid, suggesting a link between viral infections and demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis through molecular mimicry.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroimmunology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) is a key component of the central nervous system's myelin sheath.
    • Viral infections have been implicated in autoimmune neurological disorders.
    • Molecular mimicry, where viral antigens resemble host antigens, is a proposed mechanism for autoimmunity.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate sequence similarities between myelin proteolipid protein and viral proteins.
    • To explore the potential role of these similarities in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases.

    Main Methods:

    • Bioinformatic analysis of protein sequences.
    • Comparison of extramembrane segments of proteolipid protein with known viral protein sequences.

    Main Results:

    • Strong sequence similarities were identified between extramembrane segments of proteolipid protein and several human-infecting viral proteins.
    • These similarities were more pronounced than those previously observed between viral proteins and myelin basic protein (MBP).

    Conclusions:

    • The findings suggest that molecular mimicry involving myelin proteolipid protein could trigger autoimmune responses.
    • This immunological cross-reactivity may contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis and post-infectious demyelinating syndromes.

    More Related Videos

    Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins08:26

    Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

    Published on: August 31, 2017

    Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods10:40

    Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods

    Published on: December 21, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Viral Structure00:56

    Viral Structure

    Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
    Amino acids03:49

    Amino acids

    Amino acids are the monomers that comprise proteins. Each amino acid has the same fundamental structure, which consists of a central carbon atom, or the alpha (α) carbon, bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and to a hydrogen atom. Every amino acid also has another atom or group of atoms bonded to the central atom known as the R group. There are 20 common amino acids present in proteins, each with a different R group. Variation in the amino acid sequence is responsible for...
    Leaky Scanning02:28

    Leaky Scanning

    During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
    Mitochondrial Precursor Proteins01:39

    Mitochondrial Precursor Proteins

    Mitochondrial precursors are partially unfolded or loosely folded polypeptide chains. Newly synthesized precursors are inhibited from spontaneously folding into their native conformation by the cytosolic chaperones, heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp70), and mitochondrial import stimulation factors (MSFs). Precursors bound to MSFs are guided to the TOM70-TOM37 receptors, while precursors bound to Hsp70  chaperones are targetted to TOM20-TOM22 receptor complexes.
    Most of the mitochondrial precursors...
    Subviral Agents01:29

    Subviral Agents

    Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
    Rabies01:28

    Rabies

    Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...