Molecular Mimicry
Molecular mimicry is an immunological process in which an antigen's molecular structure is similar to the molecular structure of a self-protein, making it difficult for the immune system to detect the difference. This similarity in structure causes the immune system to mistakenly identify the foreign antigen as a self-protein and mistakenly produce an immune response against it. This phenomenon can cause autoimmune diseases, as well as being utilized in the development of novel vaccines and immunotherapies. By understanding the molecular mimicry process, scientists can develop treatments for otherwise untreatable diseases and enable the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
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