Viruses and autoimmune diseases—adapting Kochʹs postulates

Viral hypotheses for the aetiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases are unproven. Indeed, a primary role for virus-induced autoimmune disease has yet to be fully established even in experimental systems. However new insights into virus–host interactions and improved technology justify fresh evaluation of these issues. We suggest modified Kochʹs postulates to test the viral hypothesis.