Epitope spreading

Immunological phenomenon that was demonstrated by Miller in animal models 20 years ago. The phenomenon is based on the observation that in most autoimmune diseases the immune response can change from one antigen to another as tissue damage increases. Epitope spreading is also suspected in viral infections (HPV infections).

1. Attili VR et al(2015) Acral Vitiligo and Lichen Sclerosus - Association or a Distinct Pattern? A Clinical and Histopathological Review of 15 Cases. Indian J Dermatol 60:519.
2. Cornaby C et al(2014) B cell epitope spreading: mechanisms and contribution to autoimmune diseases. Immunol Lat 163:56-68.
3. Nakagawa M et al,(2015) Cross-Reactivity, Epitope Spreading, and De Novo Immune Stimulation Are Possible Mechanisms of Cross-Protection of Nonvaccine Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types in Recipients of HPV Therapeutic Vaccines. Clin Vaccine Immunol 22:679-687.