Molecular mimicry and autoantigens in connective tissue diseases

Conclusion Unless the basis of reactivity can be strictly elucidated the biological significance of molecular mimicry must be held in question and the attention given to fulfilling the criteria outlined in table 2 cannot be overstressed. Nevertheless, the evidence so far is intriguing in implicating some form of role for retroviruses or bacteria in certain autoimmune diseases. The reader would be well advised to keep an open mind and await with critical interest more stringent data from those laboratories with the resources, patience and dedication to pursue this line of research.