If a previously healthy individual develops a novel autoimmune disorder targeting pancreatic beta cells following a viral infection, which mechanism explains this phenomenon?

💡 Explanation

Molecular mimicry explains this phenomenon because viral antigens resemble beta cell antigens, causing T cells activated against the virus to also attack beta cells. Therefore, autoimmunity arises rather than normal immune tolerance because of this cross-reactivity.

• A researcher investigates fever reduction in mice using a novel drug. If this drug inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in hypothalamic cells, which consequence follows?
• Why does taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen reduce fever in a patient with a viral infection?
• What distinguishes proteasomal degradation from chaperone-mediated autophagy in intracellular protein clearance?
• Why does autoimmune demyelination in nervous tissue lead to slower action potential propagation?
• A patient with a genetic mutation has impaired production of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Which outcome becomes likely following a minor injury?
• Why does prolonged glucocorticoid treatment, such as for chronic asthma, increase the risk of osteoporosis?