Viral infections & autoimmune disease

Viral Infections and their Role in Autoimmune Diseases, with Emphasis on Mechanisms and Molecular Interactions

Introduction: The exact cause of most autoimmune diseases is still unknown; however, several factors play a role in causing or exacerbating autoimmune reactions. In addition to environmental factors such as bacterial, parasitic, fungal and viral infections, factors such as genetic characteristics and lifestyle are also included. Infections caused by viruses usually trigger a strong immune respo...

Molecular mimicry, bystander activation, or viral persistence: infections and autoimmune disease.

Virus infections and autoimmune disease have long been linked. These infections often precede the occurrence of inflammation in the target organ. Several mechanisms often used to explain the association of autoimmunity and virus infection are molecular mimicry, bystander activation (with or without epitope spreading), and viral persistence. These mechanisms have been used separately or in vario...

Can virus infections trigger autoimmune disease?

This review will examine various infectious parameters that could lead to enhancement or exacerbation of autoimmune disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) will be the prototype human autoimmune disease detailed and experiments relating to the pathogenesis of MS will use data derived from an experimental animal model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Other autoimmune diseases will be inc...

Studies on Avian Viral Infections in Iran

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease- A Clinical Viewpoint

Recent developments in medicine have given us a better insight into a group of disorders known as autoimmune diseases. In particular, advances have occurred in our understanding of the Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED). In this article, the authors review the different postulated theories in the pathogenesis of this disease. The clinical presentation, the available para-clinical diagnostic to...