Evidence for mimicry by viral antigens in animal models of autoimmune disease including myocarditis

Molecular mimicry of viral antigens with self determinants has been propose d as one of the pathogenic mechanisms in autoimmune disease. Evidence of vi ral mimicry in animal models of autoimmunity is accumulating. Murine adenov irus, Semliki forest virus, lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus, herpes s implex virus type-1, hepatitis B virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, Theiler 's murine encephalomyelitis virus, Coxsackievirus and cytomegalovirus have been found to mimic physiologically important host proteins. However, epito pe homology of a viral and self determinant is not in itself strong evidenc e for mimicry as a pathogenic mechanism. The mimicking determinant must als o be capable of inducing disease in the absence of replicative virus. Anima l models provide evaluation of the viral trigger, and development and thera py for autoimmune diseases. Identification of host proteins that can induce disease together with the knowledge of immune system dysregulation, geneti c association and environmental factors may lead to improved immunotherapeu tic strategies for human autoimmune diseases.