26) Epidemiological evidence has indicated that exposure to particular infections can predispose individuals to specific autoimmune diseases. An example is the data linking Coxsackie virus infections with subsequent development of type 1 diabetes. In many cases, there is no indication of cross-reactive antigens between the pathogen and the autoantigens targeted by the autoimmune disease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epidemiological evidence supports the idea that exposure to certain infections may increase the risk of developing specific autoimmune diseases, even in cases where there are no cross-reactive antigens between the pathogen and the autoantigens targeted by the autoimmune disease.

26) Epidemiological Evidence Has Indicated That Exposure to Particular Infections