Molecular mimicry: a critical look at exemplary instances in human diseases.

Abstract

Molecular mimicry, the concept that antigenic determinants of microorganisms resemble antigenic determinants of the host, is frequently cited as a plausible mechanism to account for the association of infection and autoimmune disease. Based on analogous sequences of amino acids or on cross-reactions of monoclonal antibodies, numerous examples of such mimicry have been reported. There are, however, no clear examples of a human disease caused by molecular mimicry.

• Authors: N R Rose, I R Mackay
• Journal: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS (Cell Mol Life Sci) Vol. 57 Issue 4 Pg. 542-51 (Apr 2000) ISSN: 1420-682X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11130454 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Autoantigens
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte

Topics

• Animals
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (immunology)
• Autoantigens (immunology)
• Autoimmune Diseases (etiology, immunology)
• Chagas Disease (immunology)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 (immunology)
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte (immunology)
• Humans
• Lyme Disease (immunology)
• Molecular Mimicry (immunology)
• Multiple Sclerosis (immunology)
• Myocarditis (immunology)
• Rheumatic Fever (immunology)
• Spondylitis, Ankylosing (immunology)