M. Ludewig, TOXIC QUINONES PRODUCED BY MAMMALIAN DEFENSE CELLS - CAUSATIVE AGENTSFOR AUTOIMMUNE REACTIONS, Medical hypotheses, 41(4), 1993, pp. 375-377
Multiple sclerosis is a disease both of the CNS compartment in which a
localized immune response occurs, and of the peripheral immune compar
tment. The causative agent is unknown, though viruses are suspected to
be among the candidates. Here a hypothesis is proposed, that apart fr
om viruses, also activated granulocytes of the host might trigger a se
nsitization against self, insofar as they are suited to modify self-pr
oteins. The modification results from the action of endogenous o-quino
nes which are generated by activated granulocytes. o-quinones are chem
ically reactive and couple to proteins producing new epitopes. Modifie
d self-proteins then may sensitize the immune system or break the immu
ne tolerance. Granulocytes thus not only effectively eliminate pathoge
ns, but cause damage to tissues of the host, by proteinases as describ
ed in inflammation, or by endogenous o-quinones as proposed here for m
ultiple sclerosis and its models.