Viruses typically invade a cell by latching onto a part of the cell membrane, usually a receptor of some sort. Those receptors are for some biologic process from regulation to nutrition. If it can't mimic any structure it can't reproduce and will be selected out.
An antibody is in some ways similar. They latch onto the bacteria or virus, but instead of invading they glom on and then signal the body to come dispose of this thing.
If your body picks the wrong feature for the pattern, then the antibody could attach to healthy tissue. Maybe one particular type, like insulin cells, or myelin.
An antibody is in some ways similar. They latch onto the bacteria or virus, but instead of invading they glom on and then signal the body to come dispose of this thing.
If your body picks the wrong feature for the pattern, then the antibody could attach to healthy tissue. Maybe one particular type, like insulin cells, or myelin.