Aslanidis S et al. - This review describes basic features of parvovirus B19 structure and pathogenicity and expands on the parvo-associated auto-immune manifestations particularly in relation to SLE-mimicking or SLE-triggering reported cases. The proposed mechanisms for viral-induced pathologic autoimmunity are discussed with emphasis on emerging data regarding the aberrant expression and localization of autoantigens and their potential implication in alternatively activated immunological cascades.