In some cases, a transient autoimmune process can occur as a result of an infection. This may be due to molecular mimicry between the pathogen and a self-antigen, or to the release of normally sequestered self-antigens due to tissue damage from the infection. An important factor leading to these autoreactive immune responses is the activation of dendritic cells by the infection-induced inflammation. Once the infection is resolved, this inflammation will also subside. As a consequence, autoreactive T cells may no longer receive sufficient signals to promote their activation, causing a remission in the autoimmune symptoms. One important change in antigen-presenting dendritic cells during an infection that would contribute to the activation of normally self-tolerant self-reactive T cells is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The up-regulation of MHC class I and class II molecules on activated dendritic cells would contribute to their presentation of self-antigens to T cells. This would increase the likelihood of self-reactive T cells becoming activated and contributing to an autoimmune response.

In Some Cases, a Transient Autoimmune Process Can Occur as a Result