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Molecular mimicry has been characterized as recently as the 1970s as another mechanism by which a pathogen can generate autoimmunity. Molecular mimicry is defined as similar structures shared by molecules from dissimilar genes or by their protein products.
However, if detected, this can lead to an autoimmune response because of the similarity of the epitopes on the microorganism and host antigen. Examples of this are seen in Streptococcus pyogenes and Borrelia burgdorferi. [2] It is possible, but uncommon for molecular mimicry to lead to an autoimmune disease. [2]
Molecular mimicry – An exogenous antigen may share structural similarities with certain host antigens; thus, any antibody produced against this antigen (which mimics the self-antigens) can also, in theory, bind to the host antigens, and amplify the immune response.
An autoimmune disease is a condition that results from an anomalous response of the adaptive immune system, ... This phenomenon, known as molecular mimicry, ...
Autoimmune retinopathy is also related to molecular mimicry, in which foreign antigens and self antigens have a similar sequence, eliciting an autoimmune response. [3] In nPAIR, the molecular mimicry occurs between retinal proteins and viral/bacterial antigens, while in PAIR, it occurs between tumor antigens and retinal proteins.
ANA is a marker of the autoimmune process – it is positive with a variety of different autoimmune diseases but not specific. Consequently, if an ANA test is positive, it is often followed up with other tests associated with arthritis and inflammation , such as a rheumatoid factor (RF), an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a c-reactive ...
Amy Proal is an American microbiologist who studies the effects of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens on human health at the molecular level. She is one of the founders of PolyBio Research Foundation, a company investigating the basis of chronic infection-associated illnesses, and currently serves on the company's board of directors. [1]
The mechanism of antibody production in Sjögren's syndrome is not fully understood, but apoptosis (programmed cell death) and molecular mimicry may play a role. [12] The Ro and La antigens are expressed on the surface of cells undergoing apoptosis and may cause the inflammation within the salivary gland by interaction with cells of the immune ...