The Intricate Dance of Infections and Autoimmunity: An Interesting Paradox

Overview

Journal Indian J Pediatr

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2023 Dec 12

PMID 38085415

Authors

Anand Prahalad Rao

Debasis Patro

Affiliations

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Abstract

Besides genetic susceptibility, infections due to viruses, bacteria and protozoa have been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases (AD). AD can be triggered in a genetically susceptible individual by infections that disrupt immunological tolerance towards self-antigens. Pathogens can initiate autoimmunity by way of molecular mimicry, bystander activation, epitope spreading or persistent infection with polyclonal activation. This review covers two main topics: (i) the mechanisms by which an infectious agent can trigger or worsen autoimmunity; and (ii) the correlation between specific infectious agents and AD in humans with special emphasis on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

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