Autoimmune Diseases Quiz

Autoimmunity is defined as an acquired immune reactivity to self antigens.

The learning objectives include understanding what is meant by autoimmunity, naming organ-specific and non-organ specific autoimmune diseases and their symptoms, learning the different causes of autoimmunity, understanding how different autoimmune diseases are diagnosed, learning the different mechanisms involved in disease development, understanding how the body has several defense mechanisms to protect against targeting self molecules, and learning potential treatments for autoimmune diseases.

When an adaptive immune response develops against self antigens, it is usually impossible for immune effector mechanisms to eliminate the antigen completely, leading to a sustained response.

<p>Autoreactive T and B cells and autoantibodies have been found in people who don't have autoimmune disease, indicating that immunological autoreactivity alone is not enough to cause autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No, autoimmune diseases are not the same as hypersensitivity (allergies).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Two examples of organ-specific autoimmune diseases are Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression, and Type 1 diabetes, which can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text mentions that the causes of autoimmunity include genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and dysregulation of the immune system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>This statement means that the presence of autoreactive T and B cells, as well as autoantibodies, in individuals does not necessarily lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. Other factors, such as genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, are also involved in causing autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text mentions potential treatments for autoimmune diseases, such as immunosuppressive drugs, biologic therapies, and targeted immune-modulating therapies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The consequences of sustained immune effector pathways causing chronic inflammatory injury to tissues include potentially lethal damage to the affected tissues, leading to symptoms and complications associated with the specific autoimmune disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers