For many readers, the title 'pathogen infection and autoimmune disease'might suggest that
pathogens are the suspected drivers of autoimmune disease. This, of course, is a perfectly …

The relationship between infections and autoimmunity as well as the risk of infections due to
antirheumatic agents, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics, are …

Introduction: Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system recognizes and attacks host
tissue. In addition to genetic factors, environmental triggers (in particular viruses, bacteria …

Autoimmunity can be triggered by many environmental factors, among which infectious
agents are pivotal. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the relationship between …

Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system recognizes and attacks host tissue. In
addition to genetic factors, environmental triggers (in particular viruses, bacteria and other …

In the thymus, most T cells that react avidly with self-peptides in association with MHC
molecules are physically or functionally deleted. However, it is clear that not all potentially …

Most infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, can trigger autoimmunity via
different mechanisms. The development of an autoimmune disorder after infection tends to …

Abstract For more than 2,000 years, it was thought that malignant spirits caused diseases.
By the end of nineteenth century, these beliefs were displaced by more modern concepts of …

Infections are known to trigger flares of autoimmune diseases in humans and serve as an
inciting cause of autoimmunity in animals. Evidence suggests a causative role of infections …

Human autoimmunity against elements conferring protective immunity can be symbolized by
the 'ouroboros', a snake eating its own tail. Underlying infection is autoimmunity against …