Self-protein

Self-protein refers to all proteins endogenously produced by DNA-level transcription and translation within an organism of interest. This does not include proteins synthesized due to viral infection, but may include those synthesized by commensal bacteria within the intestines. Proteins that are not created within the body of the organism of interest, but nevertheless enter through the bloodstream, a breach in the skin, or a mucous membrane, may be designated as “non-self” and subsequently targeted and attacked by the immune system. Tolerance to self-protein is crucial for overall wellbeing; when the body erroneously identifies self-proteins as “non-self”, the subsequent immune response against endogenous proteins may lead to the development of an autoimmune disease.[1][2]

  1. ^ Rosenblum MD, Remedios KA, Abbas AK (June 2015). "Mechanisms of human autoimmunity". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 125 (6): 2228–33. doi:10.1172/JCI78088. PMC 4518692. PMID 25893595.
  2. ^ Devarapu SK, Lorenz G, Kulkarni OP, Anders HJ, Mulay SR (2017). "Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Autoimmunity and Lupus Nephritis". International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology. 332. Elsevier: 43–154. doi:10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.12.001. ISBN 978-0-12-812471-0. PMID 28526137.