PREDICTED EPITOPES OF E.COLI. THAT CROSS-REACT WITH HUMAN ANTIGENS AS POTENTIAL MEDIATORS OF AUTOIMMUNITY

Abstract

For several decades many efforts are being made to understand autoimmunity. Through research, it has become apparent that immune system has evolved multiple mechanisms to control self-reactivity. The human system contains microbiota, and their interactions help to regulate immune system. However, any defects in these mechanisms can break down immune tolerance. Generally, a significant portion is occupied by bacteria, but some viruses, protozoa as well as fungi also reside as the normal microflora. Microbial dysbiosis initiates dysregulation of immune system on its own via many processes, including T helper cell skewing, epitope spread, bystander activation, cross-reactive, and dual T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation act on susceptibility, initiation, and disease propagation. The human body contains both commensals and pathogenic bacteria. This work aims to study various commensal bacteria linked with autoimmune diseases. Under this provision, we will focus on the immunological mechanisms that give rise to autoimmune diseases. Further, we can predict potential epitopes in bacteria’s to find similarity with human sequences and perform molecular docking of bacterial peptides with MHC class II and TCR. Through this study, new preventive and therapeutic strategies can be developed.