Pathogens can induce autoimmunity via several well - studied mechanisms with the most postulated being molecular mimicry .
Molecular mimicry occurs
Pathogens can induce autoimmunity via several well - studied mechanisms with the most postulated being molecular mimicry .
Molecular mimicry occurs when T cells specific for peptide epitopes derived from pathogens cross - react with selfepitopes , leading to autoimmune tissue destruction .