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Published on: September 26, 2012
Molecular mimicry and immune-mediated diseases
1Viral Immunobiology Laboratory, Division of Virology, The Scripps Research Institute,Department of Neuropharmacology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. mbaobo@scripps.edu
Summary
Molecular mimicry, where similar structures trigger autoimmune disease, can be identified by analyzing immune responses. This mechanism explains how infections can initiate autoimmune conditions even after the pathogen is gone.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Molecular mimicry is a proposed mechanism in autoimmune disease development.
- Evidence links infectious agents to autoimmune diseases through cross-reactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define molecular mimicry and its role in autoimmunity.
- To explore how molecular mimicry aids in identifying infectious etiologic agents.
Main Methods:
- Defining molecular mimicry based on shared molecular structures (amino acid sequences or conformational fits) between host and microbial antigens.
- Examining the generation of cross-reactive immune responses (cytotoxic lymphocytes or antibodies).
Main Results:
- Molecular mimicry involves shared determinants between host and microbial molecules, triggering autoimmune responses.
- Immune responses can target host cells via cross-reactivity, leading to tissue damage.
- Autoimmunity can occur even after the initiating infectious agent is cleared ('hit-and-run' mechanism).
Conclusions:
- Molecular mimicry provides a pathway for infectious agents to initiate autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of specific immune cells and antibodies can reveal the infectious agent responsible for autoimmune conditions.
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