Abstract
Various mechanisms have been proposed for the initiation of autoimmune responses by autoreactive T-cell clones. One of these, the molecular mimicry hypothesis, postulates that myelin-reactive T-cell clones are activated by foreign antigens. Until recently, sequence homology between self- and foreign antigens was considered necessary for cross-recognition to occur in multiple sclerosis. This article reviews current progress in T-cell receptor immunology that led to modify this view and proposes a role for degenerate T- cell antigen recognition in the induction of autoimmunity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 559-567 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Annals of Neurology |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |