Heat-shock proteins (HSP) are ubiquitous and highly conserved structures, synthesized by a variety of species. While some HSP are constitutive, other are markers of cell activation. There is considerable molecular homology between bacterial and human HSP. This antigenic mimetism may generate the production of cross-reactive antibodies in patients with infections. Antibodies to several HSP are detectable in connective tissue disorders (CTD) and autoimmune inner ear diseases. The pathogenic significance of this finding is still controversial. The 65 kilodaltons (kDa) HSP is an atherosclerotic plaque component. In recent years, anti-60/65 kDa HSP antibodies have been associated to the development of the atherosclerotic process. In this review, we discuss the features concerning the presence of these antibodies in autoimmune diseases as well as in coronary and cerebral atherosclerosis.
Heat-shock proteins; autoimmune diseases; atherosclerosis