50B) Infections can cause the break down or tolerance to self-antigens by several mechanisms, which result in the onset of autoimmunity. b. Describe in detail one mechanism that is based on pathogen-specific antigen(s) (also known as “molecular mimicry”) (4p)

  • Pathogens may contain antigenic structures or peptides that resemble self antigen(s). When pathogen-activated T and B cells specific for those antigens cross-react with the respective self antigens an autoimmune reaction occurs. When conditions favor the further activation of these cross-reactive T or B cells, an autoimmune disease can develop. 

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