Epitope Spreading

Cancer Terms -> Biological Process -> Multicellular Process -> Host Defense Mechanism -> Immune Function -> Immune Response -> Epitope Spreading

Epitope Spreading Definition

A normal feature of responses to infectious agents that allows recognition of multiple antigenic targets, Epitope Spreading involves non-cross-reactive epitopes, distinct from the inducing epitope, becoming major targets of an ongoing immune response. Epitope spreading (ES) involves an increased presentation of cryptic epitopes (intermolecular ES) or cryptic antigens (intramolecular ES) via MHC II molecules or cross-priming onto MHC I molecules. Subsequently, reactive T-cell and antibody repertoires diversify, resulting in an enhanced overall immune response. Epitope spreading is the primary immunopathogenic event in autoimmune diseases.