Viruses May Trigger Autoimmune Diseases
Sam Savage
Scientists found mice predisposed to diabetes were more likely to develop the disease if exposed to a virus. Diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of diseases where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
Researchers believe the body may act correctly to repel an invading virus but then extend its attack to molecules similar to those in the virus. Normal cells containing those molecules may then be damaged.
The finding could help in the...