Viral mimicry and endocrine system: Divulging the importance in host-microbial crosstalk.

ABSTRACT

Host-pathogen interactions are complex associations which evolve over long co-evolutionary histories. Pathogens exhibit different mechanisms to gain advantage over their host. Mimicry of host factors is an influential tool in subverting host mechanisms to ensure pathogenesis. This chapter discusses such molecular mimicry exhibited during viral infections. Understanding the evolutionary relationships, shared identity and functional impact of the virus encoded mimics is critical. With a particular emphasis on viral mimics and their association with cancer and autoimmune diseases, this chapter highlights the importance of molecular mimicry in virus biology.