Molecular Mimicry

The article describes molecular mimicry as an established route by which infections can cause autoimmunity. Anti-CdtB antibodies can cross-react with vinculin in gut nerve cells. Vinculin is described as a structural motor protein important for gut nerve cell interconnections. The migrating motor complex is described as the main structural casualty of this autoimmune mechanism. Cross-reactive antibody attack on vinculin is said to sever gut nerve interconnections and persist after infection clears.