Molecular mimicry in systemic lupus erythematosus

N. Agmon-Levin, M. Blank, Z. Paz, Yehuda Shoenfeld*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-systemic autoimmune disease distinguished by the presence of various autoantibodies. Like most autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus is believed to be induced by a combination of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors, mainly infectious agents. Molecular mimicry between an infectious antigen and self-components is implicated as a pivotal mechanism by which autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus are triggered. Here we review the current evidence of molecular mimicry between different infectious agents and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1181-1185
Number of pages5
JournalLupus
Volume18
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoimmunity
  • Cross-reactivity
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Infections
  • Molecular mimicry
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus

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