Autoimmunity is caused by all of the following, except:
Infections- Infections like EBV and HIV cause polyclonal B-cell activation, which may result in production of auto-antibodies. The tissue injury that is common in infections may release self-antigens and structurally alter these antigens so that they are able to activate T cells that would not be tolerant to these new, modified antigens. Expression of cryptic antigens - Classically seen in patient suffering from Rheumatic Fever. Cryptic or hidden antigens will be exposed as there will be inflammation caused by the cells and that is responsible for causing Autoimmune disease. Negative selection of T- cells:-Protective against development of Autoimmune disease. (negative selection of self-reactive T cell reduces the risk of autoimmune disease.) Inappropriate expression of the MHC proteins
Infections
Expression of cryptic antigens
Negative selection of T-cells in the thymus
Inappropriate expression of the MHC proteins
Auto Immune Disorders Introduction