The role of infection in the development of autoimmune diseases
10.3760/cma.j.cn114452-20230925-00170
- VernacularTitle:感染在自身免疫性疾病发生发展中的作用
- Author:
Jin ZHAO
1
;
Yirong LI
Author Information
1. 武汉大学中南医院检验科，武汉 430071
- Keywords:
Infection;
Autoimmune disease;
Molecular mimicry
- From:
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine
2023;46(11):1134-1138
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Autoimmune diseases refer to clinical diseases caused by the body′s autoimmune tolerance state being broken or autoimmune cells being abnormally regulated, and the immune system produces autoantibodies, causing self-tissue damage or abnormal function. Most of the causes are unknown and easy to repeat, causing a huge burden on the quality of life of patients. Infectious pathogens have a potential role in initiating autoimmune processes and exacerbating disease progression, and conversely, some pathogens can suppress autoimmune responses. This paper summarizes the relationship between different types of infection and autoimmune diseases. Possible mechanisms of action include molecular mimicry of pathogen antigens, activation of bystander T or B cells, modification of autoantigens, and epitope diffusion.
