Infection and Autoimmunity – An Introductory Note

Almost every infectious agent was linked in one way or another to various responses from the immune system. The responses range from normal reaction to a vast majority of autoimmune manifestations. Led by molecular mimicry, the mechanisms by which an autoimmune phenomena appears in correlation with infection are numerous including bystander activation and superantigens, among others. The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has strengthened the importance of autoimmunity in the context of infection. Nevertheless, historical examples such as acute rheumatic fever is critical for this understanding as well.