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Vaccine-induced autoimmunity: the role of molecular mimicry and immune crossreaction

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 15, pages 586–594 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Since the early 1800s vaccines have saved numerous lives by preventing lethal infections. However, during the past two decades, there has been growing awareness of possible adverse events associated with vaccinations, cultivating heated debates and leading to significant fluctuations in vaccination rates. It is therefore pertinent for the scientific community to seriously address public concern of adverse effects of vaccines to regain public trust in these important medical interventions. Such adverse reactions to vaccines may be viewed as a result of the interaction between susceptibility of the vaccinated subject and various vaccine components. Among the implicated mechanisms for these reactions is molecular mimicry. Molecular mimicry refers to a significant similarity between certain pathogenic elements contained in the vaccine and specific human proteins. This similarity may lead to immune crossreactivity, wherein the reaction of the immune system towards the pathogenic antigens may harm the similar human proteins, essentially causing autoimmune disease. In this review, we address the concept of molecular mimicry and its application in explaining post vaccination autoimmune phenomena. We further review the principal examples of the influenza, hepatitis B, and human papilloma virus vaccines, all suspected to induce autoimmunity via molecular mimicry. Finally, we refer to possible implications on the potential future development of better, safer vaccines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine B, Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, 52621, Israel

    Yahel Segal & Yehuda Shoenfeld

  2. Incumbent of the Laura Schwarz-Kipp Chair for Research of Autoimmune Diseases, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel

    Yehuda Shoenfeld

Authors
  1. Yahel Segal
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  2. Yehuda Shoenfeld
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Correspondence to Yehuda Shoenfeld.

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Conflict of interest

Prof. Yehuda Shoenfeld has served as an expert witness in cases involving adverse vaccine reaction in the no-fault US National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

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Segal, Y., Shoenfeld, Y. Vaccine-induced autoimmunity: the role of molecular mimicry and immune crossreaction. Cell Mol Immunol 15, 586–594 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2017.151

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2017.151

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