Molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

ABSTRACT: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by excessive and misdirected immune responses against the body's own musculoskeletal tissues. Their exact aetiology remains unclear, with genetic, demographic, behavioural and environmental factors implicated in disease onset. One prominent hypothesis for the initial breach of immune tolerance (leading to autoimmunity) is molecular mimicry, which describes structural or sequence similarities between human and microbial proteins (mimotopes). This similarity can lead to cross-reactive antibodies and T-cell receptors, resulting in an immune response against autoantigens. Both commensal microbes in the human microbiome and pathogens can trigger molecular mimicry, thereby potentially contributing to the o

SUBMITTER: Fehringer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11773492 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature