Obstacles to identifying viruses that cause autoimmune disease

Abstract

In addition to a clear genetic disposition, environmental factors and viral infections are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes or multiple sclerosis (MS). This article will explore, by use of paradigms developed in a transgenic mouse model, why it has been so difficult to prove a causative association between viral infections and autoimmunity. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms and their impact on devising the best strategy to prove such an association will be discussed. These thoughts might also be important for applying new immune interventions in type I diabetes or MS.