Molecular Mimicry as a Mechanism of Viral Immune Evasion and Autoimmunity.

ABSTRACT: Mimicry of host protein structures ("molecular mimicry") is a common mechanism employed by viruses to evade the host's immune system. To date, studies have primarily evaluated molecular mimicry in the context of full protein structural mimics. However, recent work has demonstrated that short linear amino acid (AA) molecular mimics can elicit cross-reactive antibodies and T-cells from the host, which may contribute to development and progression of autoimmunity. Despite this, the prevalence of molecular mimics throughout the human virome has not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluate 134 human infecting viruses and find significant usage of linear mimicry across the virome, particularly those in the herpesviridae and poxviridae families. Furthermore, we identify that proteins invol

SUBMITTER: Maguire C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10942439 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature