Abstract
This study describes some of the expected autoimmune consequences of a recently described virus-host molecular mimicry in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some physical and structural analogies have been recently identified between some precise antigenic sites of the trimeric ectodomain of the transmembrane envelope protein of AIDS-associated lentiviruses (HIV, Simian immunodeficiency virus and feline immunodeficiency virus) and some precise and crucial interleukin 2 (IL-2) antigenic sites of the corresponding infected species (man, monkey, cat). As expected, HIV-positive sera recognize human IL-2, and a cross-reactivity was found between the structurally and physically analogous antigenic sites of GP41 (HIV1) and human IL-2. The possible impact on AIDS-associated disorders of this tridimensional GP41 (HIV1)/human IL-2 molecular mimicry is suggested.