Working Hypothesis: Viral Etiology of Autoimmune Diseases

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Abstract
To the Editor: The recent finding of subviral structures in lupus nephritis1 prompts me to submit a theory that deserves experimental pursuit.The viruses of murine leukemia appear to be eminently qualified to produce immunosuppression, autoimmune diseases and leukemia.2 3 4 These viruses are able to replicate in lymphoreticular cells and release soluble antigens that block immunologic functions.5 Replication of these agents in parenchymal cells endows the cells with neoantigens, possibly evoking anti-self-defense reactions of intact immune faculties.5 Furthermore, the leukemogenic potency of these viruses appears to be regulated by a labile part of the viral genome: "wild" populations of the virus . . .