MOLECULAR MIMICRIES Meaning and
Definition
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Molecular mimicry refers to a phenomenon in which molecules, typically proteins or peptides, adopt a structural conformation that closely resembles another molecule, leading to the potential for cross-reactivity between the two. This mimicry can occur between self-molecules or between pathogenic foreign molecules and self-molecules.
In the context of autoimmune diseases, molecular mimicry is believed to play a significant role. It happens when an immune response initially directed towards an infectious agent mistakenly attacks self-tissues due to the similarity between molecular structures. These self-antigens can be found in various organs or tissues, leading to autoimmune reactions and subsequent damage.
Molecular mimicry is important for the survival and evasion strategies of pathogens. Pathogens can exploit molecular mimicry to evade immune surveillance by adopting a disguise. By resembling host proteins, they may evade recognition and subsequent elimination by the immune system. Examples include certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can display epitopes (small immune-reactive portions) resembling self-antigens.
Research in the field of molecular mimicry has led to advancements in understanding the etiology, prevention, and treatment of autoimmune diseases, as well as the development of therapeutics or vaccines against pathogens. Detecting and deciphering molecular mimicry patterns can provide insights into the mechanisms of disease and help researchers design strategies to modulate immune responses or develop targeted interventions.
Overall, molecular mimicry is a complex and dynamic process that has vital implications in immunology, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and vaccine development.
Common Misspellings for MOLECULAR MIMICRIES
- nolecular mimicries
- kolecular mimicries
- jolecular mimicries
- milecular mimicries
- mklecular mimicries
- mllecular mimicries
- mplecular mimicries
- m0lecular mimicries
- m9lecular mimicries
- mokecular mimicries
- mopecular mimicries
- mooecular mimicries
- molwcular mimicries
- molscular mimicries
- moldcular mimicries
- molrcular mimicries
- mol4cular mimicries
- mol3cular mimicries
- molexular mimicries
- molevular mimicries
Etymology of MOLECULAR MIMICRIES
The word "molecular mimicries" does not have a specific etymology since it is a combination of two separate terms: "molecular" and "mimicry". Let's break down both words:
1. Molecular: The term "molecular" comes from the Latin word "molecula", which means a small mass or particle. It refers to the smallest discrete unit of a substance, which retains all the chemical properties of that substance.
2. Mimicry: The word "mimicry" comes from the Greek term "mimikos", meaning "imitation". It refers to the act or process of resembling or copying someone or something.
When these two words, "molecular" and "mimicry", are combined together, they create the term "molecular mimicries".
