Infections: a double-edge sword in autoimmunity
Abstract
Infections play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AID). Several bacterial and viral pathogens play a double role, as both inducers and inhibitors of AID. In this review, we will present current evidence and discuss different aspects of this notion. Infectors that both inhibit and induce AID include Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, hepatitis B virus, group B Coxsackieviruses, Epstein-Barr virus and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Numerous AID are affected by infections, including polyarteritis nodosa, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes. Some pathogens, such as group B Coxsackieviruses, may induce and inhibit the development of the same AID. This reveals a complex role of infections in autoimmunity pathogenesis. Elucidating the exact role of each pathogen on each specific AID is important, as this will enable evaluating the manipulation of these infections in the treatment of AID.
References
Helicobacter pylori infection is markedly increased in patients with autoimmune atrophic thyroiditis
Implications for induction of autoimmunity via activation of B-1 cells by Helicobacter pylori urease
Autoimmune bullous diseases the spectrum of infectious agent antibodies and review of the literature
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Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur as a result of an attack by the immune system on the body’s own tissues resulting in damage and dysfunction. There are different types of autoimmune diseases, in which there is a complex and unknown interaction between genetics and the environment. Discover the latest research on autoimmune diseases here.