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.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
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Autoantigens / immunology
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Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
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Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
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Chagas Disease / immunology
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / immunology
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology
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Humans
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Lyme Disease / immunology
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Molecular Mimicry / immunology*
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Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
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Myocarditis / immunology
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Rheumatic Fever / immunology
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Spondylitis, Ankylosing / immunology
Substances
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Autoantigens
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte