The Intricate Dance of Infections and Autoimmunity: An Interesting Paradox

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Autoimmunity

Background:

• Genetic predisposition is a known factor in autoimmune diseases (AD).
• Infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, are increasingly implicated in AD development.
• Infections can break immunological tolerance to self-antigens in susceptible individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms by which infectious agents trigger or exacerbate autoimmunity.
• To review the established correlations between specific infectious agents and AD in humans.
• To highlight the role of infections in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of immunological mechanisms.
• Analysis of epidemiological data linking infections and AD.
• Focus on molecular mimicry, bystander activation, epitope spreading, and persistent infections.

Main Results:

• Infections can initiate autoimmunity through various mechanisms like molecular mimicry and bystander activation.
• Specific pathogens have been associated with distinct autoimmune conditions.
• Emerging evidence links infections to the development of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Conclusions:

• Infectious agents are significant triggers and exacerbating factors for autoimmune diseases.
• Understanding these infection-autoimmunity links is crucial for developing targeted therapies and prevention strategies.
• Further research is warranted, particularly concerning the role of infections in pediatric inflammatory syndromes like MIS-C.