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Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular system that is characterized by high plasma levels of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, which invoke an immune response against these receptors. Production of these antibodies are caused by molecular mimicry of a self antigen. T-helper cells, a type of immune system cells, can come across antigen presenting cells that display an antigen that is similar, in sequence, to AChR's. The T-helper cells are activated in this manner and can cause an immune response (antibody production) against AChR's. In essence, the Herpes virus is known to have a similar sequence to AChR's, therefore, the existance of the Herpes virus increases the risk of Myasthenia Gravis development.

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12y ago

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