Figure 2.

Molecular mimicry mechanisms. Molecular mimicry of host proteins by viral proteins means that there are cross-reacting antigenic epitopes shared between SARS-Cov-2 and host proteins (e.g., molecular chaperones), which induce humoral and cellular immunological reactivity against the host. The SARS-Cov-2 antigens involved probably occur in peptides of Replicase 1ab, Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein, and Spike glycoprotein, and they induce B and/or T cells. The former cells produce antibodies reacting against the virus and also against the host crossreactive antigens. Similarly, the induced T cells react with host tissues. In both instances, autoimmunity occurs, damaging host’s tissues and organs. Abbreviation: APC, antigen-presenting cell.