Final answer:
Infectious processes may lead to autoimmune disorders due to molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity of the immune system. For example, antibodies generated during Streptococcus pyogenes infection may attack heart muscle, causing rheumatic fever.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infectious processes may be associated with the onset of autoimmune disorders due to molecular mimicry. Antibodies and TCRs may bind self antigens that are structurally similar to pathogen antigens, leading to autoimmune attacks. For example, infection with Streptococcus pyogenes may generate antibodies that react with heart muscle, causing rheumatic fever. Additionally, environmental triggers can also play a role, where an immune response to a component of a bacterium cross-reacts with a self-antigen, resulting in an autoimmune response.