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molecular mimicry |
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molecular mimicry [mə′lek·yə·lər ′mim·i‚krē] (immunology) The sharing, by two organisms closely related ecologically but not phylogenetically, of common macromolecular structures that are not attributable to evolutionary conservation of these structures. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Although epitope-specific cross-reactivity between microbes and self-tissues has been shown in some animal models (11,12), molecular mimicry has not been clearly demonstrated to occur in human diseases (13). Possible mechanisms for environmentally induced autoimmunity include molecular mimicry, alteration of lymphocyte signaling, and interference in the development of tolerance to self-antigens. Such molecular mimicry could explain why the immune system responds to the microbes by attacking the heart. |
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