SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Molecular Mimicry: An Immunoinformatic Screen for Cross-Reactive Autoantigen Candidates.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the role of molecular mimicry in the context of autoimmunity associated with viral infection, using SARS-CoV-2 as a model system. A bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify sequence homologies between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein and the human proteome, with a specific focus on immunogenic regions to assess potential cross-reactivity. The analysis revealed homologous regions between the viral S protein and several human proteins, including DAAM2, CHL1, HAVR2/TIM3, FSTL1, FHOD3, MYO18A, EMILIN3, LAMP1, and αENaC, which are predicted to be recognizable by B-cell receptors. Such recognition could potentially lead to the production of autoreactive antibodies, which can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, the study examined pote

SUBMITTER: Timofeeva AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12469275 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature