Viruses as cofactors of autoimmune tolerance violation process

Viruses can alter any genetic information of the affected organism through the process of nucleotides invasion into the genetic code of the host. A human body constantly monitors individual cells’ molecular composition. Under the influence of invaded viruses a process of disruption of inherent tolerance to self-antigens together with the development of autoimmune pathology may evolve. Correlations of autoimmune diseases with such viruses as cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EB), hepatitis B virus, enterovirus were thoroughly studied. Communication between viruses and autoimmune diseases is confirmed by the frequent occurrence of high antibody titres to DNA and RNA viruses, subviral particles and antigens, cross antigens between viruses and human tissue, viruses themselves and virus antigens and peripheral blood cells.