Molecular Mimicry in Tuberculosis and Autoimmunity
Author Information
Author(s): Churilov Leonid P., Normatov Muslimbek G., Ling Hong, Zhuang Min, Kudlay Dmitry, Starshinova Anna
Primary Institution: Saint Petersburg State University
Hypothesis
Does molecular mimicry exist between Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens and human autoantigens?
Conclusion
The study supports the role of antigen mimicry in tuberculosis-related autoimmunity.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of antibodies to modified citrullinated vimentin were found in 57% of patients.
- Elevated levels of antibodies to C3 complement fragments were found in 47% of patients.
- Bioinformatic analysis revealed 29 shared pentapeptides between Mtb antigens and human autoantigens.
Takeaway
This study looks at how proteins from tuberculosis can be similar to our own proteins, which might cause our immune system to mistakenly attack itself.
Methodology
The study analyzed antibody levels in 19 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis using ELISA assays and bioinformatic methods to identify shared pentapeptides.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on protein sequence similarities and does not consider other factors contributing to autoimmune reactions.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"men":9,"women":10},"average_age":32.5,"bacterial_excretion":19,"MDR_Mtb":5,"smoking":5,"allergy":3,"diabetes_mellitus":0,"HIV_infection":0}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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