Role of viruses in the loss of tolerance to self-antigens and in autoimmune diseases.
The breaking of tolerance to self-antigens, involving the activation of self-reactive lymphocytes, is a critical event leading to autoimmune disease. The precise mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown, but among other etiological factors, viruses have been implicated. Recent results with animal models of insulin-dependent diabetes provide insight into how viruses induce autoimmune disease.
von Herrath
M G
MG
Scripps Research Institute, Dept of Neuropharmacology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. Matthias@riscsm.scripps.edu
Oldstone
M B
MB
D000818:Animals; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D017634:Self Tolerance / Q000276:immunology*; D014780:Viruses / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D001324:Autoantigens