Genome-Wide Identification of Molecular Mimicry Candidates in Parasites
Author Information
Author(s): Ludin Philipp, Nilsson Daniel, Mäser Pascal
Primary Institution: Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Can molecular mimicry in parasites be identified through comparative genomics?
Conclusion
This study developed an in silico pipeline that successfully identified molecular mimicry candidates from various human-pathogenic parasites.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified 84 molecular mimicry candidates from various parasites.
- Control searches against unrelated eukaryotes were used to eliminate conserved proteins.
- Results are available in a public database called mimicDB.
Takeaway
Scientists found that some parasites can trick our immune system by looking like our own proteins. They created a computer program to find these sneaky proteins.
Methodology
An in silico pipeline was developed to identify molecular mimicry candidates by comparing parasite and human proteomes using BLAST searches.
Limitations
The study may miss non-linear or glycosylated epitopes, which are not detectable by the methods used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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