Work

Molecular mimicry and multiple sclerosis: Degenerate T-cell recognition and the induction of autoimmunity

Year: 1999

Type: review

Abstract: Various mechanisms have been proposed for the initiation of autoimmune responses by autoreactive T-cell clones. One of these, the molecular mimicry hypothesis, postulates that myelin-reactive T-cell clones are activated by foreign antigens. Until recently, sequence homology between self- and foreign antigens was considered necessary for cross-recognition to occur in multiple sclerosis. This article reviews current progress in T-cell receptor immunology that led to modify this view and proposes a role for degenerate T-cell antigen recognition in the induction of autoimmunity.

Source: Annals of Neurology

DOI: 10.1002/1531-8249(199905)45:5<559::aid-ana3>3.0.co;2-q

Authors: Bruno Gran, Bernhard Hemmer, Marco Vergelli, Henry F. McFarland, Roland Martin

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Philipps University of Marburg, University of Florence

Language: English

Topic: Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke