We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Potential clinical implications of molecular mimicry-induced autoimmunity.
- Authors
Suliman, Bandar A.
- Abstract
Background: Molecular mimicry is hypothesized to be a mechanism by which autoimmune diseases are triggered. It refers to sequence or structural homology between foreign antigens and self-antigens, which can activate cross-reactive lymphocytes that attack host tissues. Elucidating the role of molecular mimicry in human autoimmunity could have important clinical implications. Objective: To review evidence for the role of molecular mimicry in major autoimmune diseases and discuss potential clinical implications. Methods: Comprehensive literature review of clinical trials, observational studies, animal models, and immunology studies on molecular mimicry in multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune myocarditis, and primary biliary cirrhosis published from 2000-2023. Results: Substantial indirect evidence supports molecular mimicry as a contributor to loss of self-tolerance in several autoimmune conditions. Proposed microbial triggers include Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, Campylobacter jejuni, and bacterial commensals. Key mechanisms involve cross-reactive T cells and autoantibodies induced by epitope homology between microbial and self-antigens. Perpetuation of autoimmunity involves epitope spreading, inflammatory mediators, and genetic factors. Conclusions: Molecular mimicry plausibly explains initial stages of autoimmune pathogenesis induced by infection or microbiota disturbances. Understanding mimicry antigens and pathways could enable improved prediction, monitoring, and antigen-specific immunotherapy for autoimmune disorders. However, definitive proof of causation in humans remains limited. Further research should focus on establishing clinical evidence and utility.
- Subjects
AUTOIMMUNE diseases; MOLECULAR mimicry; AUTOIMMUNITY; TYPE 1 diabetes; LITERATURE reviews; BILIARY liver cirrhosis; VASCULOGENIC mimicry
- Publication
Immunity, Inflammation & Disease, 2024, Vol 12, Issue 2, p1
- ISSN
2050-4527
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/iid3.1178