Epitope mimics and determinant spreading: pathways to autoimmunity.
Infectious microorganisms have evolved molecules which mimic the host in order to aid in their undetected propagation. In response, mammalian hosts have evolved a highly diverse immune repertoire designed to eradicate rapidly changing pathogens. The generation of diversity in the immune repertoire results in potentially damaging self cross-reactivities which require multiple regulatory controls to keep autoreactive lymphocytes in check. Here, we review how molecular mimicry at the T cell level might be important in the development of systemic autoimmunity.
Farris
A D
AD
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Keech
C L
CL
Gordon
T P
TP
McCluskey
J
J
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D018716:Molecular Mimicry / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D001324:Autoantigens; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte