molecular mimicry
The process by which foreign antigens share structural similarities with self-antigens, triggering autoimmune responses.
Full Definition
Molecular mimicry is a proposed mechanism for autoimmune disease development where infectious agents or environmental antigens share structural similarities with host tissues, leading to cross-reactive immune responses. In neuroimmunology, this concept explains how infections might trigger conditions like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome. For example, Epstein-Barr virus proteins share epitopes with myelin proteins, potentially explaining the association between EBV infection and MS risk. The immune system initially responds appropriately to the foreign antigen but subsequently attacks similar host proteins, initiating autoimmune neurological disease.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other autoimmune mechanisms like epitope spreading or bystander activation.
In Context
- "Molecular mimicry between viral proteins and myelin may trigger MS in genetically susceptible individuals." — Pathogenesis review
- "The study investigated molecular mimicry as a mechanism for post-infectious demyelination." — Research hypothesis