10 Questions
What is autoimmunity defined as?
Autoimmunity is defined as an acquired immune reactivity to self antigens.
What are the learning objectives of the lecture on autoimmune diseases and molecular basis of autoimmune disease?
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.
Why does an adaptive immune response against self antigens lead to sustained response?
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.
What has been found in people who don't have autoimmune disease despite having autoreactive T and B cells and autoantibodies?
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.
Are autoimmune diseases the same as hypersensitivity (allergies)?
No, autoimmune diseases are not the same as hypersensitivity (allergies).
Name two examples of organ-specific autoimmune diseases and their symptoms.
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.
What are the different causes of autoimmunity mentioned in the text?
The text mentions that the causes of autoimmunity include genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and dysregulation of the immune system.
Explain the statement 'immunological autoreactivity alone is not enough to cause autoimmune diseases.'
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.
What are some potential treatments for autoimmune diseases mentioned in the text?
The text mentions potential treatments for autoimmune diseases, such as immunosuppressive drugs, biologic therapies, and targeted immune-modulating therapies.
Explain the consequences of sustained immune effector pathways causing chronic inflammatory injury to tissues.
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.
Study Notes
Autoimmunity and Autoimmune Diseases
- Autoimmunity is defined as an adaptive immune response against self-antigens.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the molecular basis of autoimmune diseases.
Sustained Response
- An adaptive immune response against self-antigens leads to a sustained response due to the continuous presence of self-antigens.
Autoimmune Disease and Autoreactive Cells
- In people without autoimmune disease, despite having autoreactive T and B cells and autoantibodies, there are regulatory mechanisms that prevent autoreactive cells from inducing tissue damage.
Autoimmune Diseases vs. Hypersensitivity (Allergies)
- Autoimmune diseases are distinct from hypersensitivity (allergies), which involve an immune response to external antigens.
Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases
- Examples of organ-specific autoimmune diseases include:
- Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain.
Causes of Autoimmunity
- The text mentions several causes of autoimmunity, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors
- Infections
- Hormonal influences
Immunological Autoreactivity
- Immunological autoreactivity alone is not enough to cause autoimmune diseases, as other factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental triggers are also required.
Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
- Potential treatments for autoimmune diseases mentioned in the text include:
- Immunosuppressive therapy
- Biological agents
Consequences of Sustained Immune Response
- Sustained immune effector pathways causing chronic inflammatory injury to tissues can lead to:
- Tissue damage and organ dysfunction
- Chronic inflammation and fibrosis
- Impaired tissue repair and regeneration
Test your knowledge of autoimmune diseases and their molecular basis with this quiz. Explore organ-specific and non-organ specific autoimmune diseases, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and mechanisms. Gain a deeper understanding of autoimmunity with Dr. Cassandra Terry.
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