MOLECULAR MIMICRY Meaning and
Definition
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Molecular mimicry is a concept in biology and immunology that refers to the ability of certain molecules, usually proteins, to mimic or resemble other molecules present in an organism. It is an evolutionary strategy employed by several organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, to evade the immune system and gain entry or establish a persistent infection in the host.
At the molecular level, molecular mimicry occurs when a pathogen or foreign molecule structurally resembles a self-molecule, typically a protein, present in the host organism. This resemblance can be in terms of shape, charge, or other biochemical properties. When the immune system detects the foreign molecule, it may mount an immune response that also inadvertently attacks self-molecules, leading to autoimmunity or chronic inflammation.
Molecular mimicry is commonly observed in various infectious diseases, such as rheumatic fever, where certain proteins produced by the streptococcus bacteria resemble self-antigens in the heart valves, causing an autoimmune response. Similarly, in multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath proteins in the nervous system are mimicked by certain viral proteins, leading to immune attacks on the host's own myelin.
Understanding molecular mimicry is crucial to unraveling the mechanisms behind autoimmune diseases and developing targeted therapies. Research into identifying molecular mimics and their interactions with the immune system can provide insights into disease pathogenesis and may lead to the development of vaccines, immunotherapies, and drugs that specifically target mimicking molecules.
Common Misspellings for MOLECULAR MIMICRY
- nolecular mimicry
- kolecular mimicry
- jolecular mimicry
- milecular mimicry
- mklecular mimicry
- mllecular mimicry
- mplecular mimicry
- m0lecular mimicry
- m9lecular mimicry
- mokecular mimicry
- mopecular mimicry
- mooecular mimicry
- molwcular mimicry
- molscular mimicry
- moldcular mimicry
- molrcular mimicry
- mol4cular mimicry
- mol3cular mimicry
- molexular mimicry
- molevular mimicry
Etymology of MOLECULAR MIMICRY
The word "molecular mimicry" is composed of two main parts: "molecular" and "mimicry".
1. Molecular: The term "molecular" comes from the Latin word "molecula", which means a small mass or particle. It is derived from the Latin "moles", referring to a mass or a barrier. In modern times, "molecular" is used to describe the smallest unit of a substance and its chemical interactions.
2. Mimicry: The term "mimicry" comes from the Greek word "mimetikos", which means imitative or mimic. It is derived from "mimos", referring to an actor or mime. "Mimicry" describes the act of imitating or copying the form, behavior, or characteristics of someone or something else.
