Neoself-antigens induce autoimmunity in lupus

Researchers found that T cells recognize neoself-antigens — abnormal, unfolded host proteins presented by major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) lacking the invariant chain — as non-self antigens, leading to the development of autoimmunity. Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus, a known risk factor for lupus onset and exacerbation, increases the presentation of neoself-antigens by MHC-II, which could help explain the link between viral infection and autoimmune disease.