Protective and stochastic correlation between infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders

Aboulaghras S 1 , Bouyahya A 2 , El Kadri K 3 , Khalid A 4 , Abdalla AN 5 , Hassani R 6 Show all authors , Lee LH 7 , Bakrim S 8

Affiliations 

  • 1 Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra, B.P 242 Kenitra, Morocco. Electronic address: sara.aboulghras@gmail.com
  • 2 Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, 10106, Morocco. Electronic address: a.bouyahya@um5r.ac.ma
  • 3 Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, 10106, Morocco. Electronic address: Elkadri.Kawtar@gmail.com
  • 4 Health Research Centre, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: akahmed@jazanu.edu.sa
  • 5 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: anabdrabo@uqu.edu.sa
  • 6 Environment and Nature Research Centre, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Biology Department, University College AlDarb, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: rhassani@jazanu.edu.sa
  • 7 Microbiome Research Group, Research Centre for Life Science and Healthcare, Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute (CBI), University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 315000, Ningbo, China; Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia. Electronic address: Learn-Han.Lee@nottingham.edu.cn
  • 8 Geo-Bio-Environment Engineering and Innovation Laboratory, Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Innovation Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, 80000, Morocco. Electronic address: s.bakrim@uiz.ac.ma
Microb Pathog, 2024 Sep 06;196:106919.
PMID: 39245422 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106919

Abstract

A priori, early exposure to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites appears to fortify and regulate the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. However, improving hygiene conditions in numerous societies has led to a reduction in these microbial exposures, which, according to certain theories, could contribute to an increase in autoimmune diseases. Indeed, molecular mimicry is a key factor triggering immune system reactions; while it seeks pathogens, it can bind to self-molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases associated with microbial infections. On the other hand, a hygiene-based approach aimed at reducing the load of infectious agents through better personal hygiene can be beneficial for such pathologies. This review sheds light on how the evolution of the innate immune system, following the evolution of molecular patterns associated with microbes, contributes to our protection but may also trigger autoimmune diseases linked to microbes. Furthermore, it addresses how hygiene conditions shield us against autoimmune diseases related to microbes but may lead to autoimmune pathologies not associated with microbes.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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