Clinical Immunology: Autoimmunity

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of autoimmunity?

The body's immune response against its own healthy cells and tissues (correct)

The body's immune response against foreign pathogens

The body's inability to tolerate its own tissue antigens

The body's development of tolerance towards its own cells

What is the main target of the immune response in rheumatoid arthritis?

The muscles and tendons surrounding the joints

The bone and cartilage within the joints

The synovial membranes and articular structures of multiple joints (correct)

The skin and connective tissues

Which gender is more commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

Both genders are affected equally

Women (correct)

Men

Gender does not play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis

What is the primary cause of the disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis?

Chronic inflammation and joint damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the most challenging aspect of treating autoimmune diseases?

The lack of understanding of the exact causes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis?

Gradual joint deformity and ankylosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of sex hormones in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

They may play a role in the disproportionate number of females affected by RA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following viruses has been suggested to induce Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Epstein Barr virus Signup and view all the answers

What immunological response leads to Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Response to an unknown antigen within the joint Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules are associated with RA risk due to their genetic influence?

HLA-DR beta 0401, 0404, or 0405 molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of proinflammatory cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

To activate osteoclasts and chondrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone may be a risk factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Prolactin hormone Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with nodules under the skin?

Nodules under the skin Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes Mycoplasma bacteria naturally resistant to certain antibiotics?

Absence of peptidoglycan Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis according to the text?

Genotype (HLA-DR4) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major role of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in disease and immune defense?

Differentiating between self and non-self Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom of rheumatoid arthritis involves inflammation around the heart causing chest pain?

Chest Pericarditis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key cytokine produced by chondrocytes that contributes to the harmful cycle in rheumatoid arthritis?

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of rheumatoid factors produced by B cells in rheumatoid arthritis?

Stimulation of complement activation through immune complexes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cytokines is primarily responsible for increased proliferation and activation of fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis?

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis?

Morning stiffness lasting more than 1 hour Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of T cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?

Activation of B cells to produce rheumatoid factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis?

Joints on both sides of the body are equally affected Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proinflammatory cytokine mentioned in the text?

Interferon-gamma Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of GM-CSF according to the text?

Affecting more cell types, especially macrophages and eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is NOT true according to the text?

FGF is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages and monocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of TNF-α according to the text?

Leading to necrosis or apoptosis within cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about IL-1 is true according to the text?

It regulates immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates biological processes associated with infection and inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells are NOT mentioned as sources of the proinflammatory cytokines?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Autoimmunity and Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

Autoimmunity is characterized by an immune response mistakenly targeting the body's own tissues.
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the primary immune target is the synovial tissue surrounding joints.

Gender and Prevalence

Women are more commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis compared to men.

Disease Progression and Challenges

Disease progression in RA is primarily driven by chronic inflammation.
A major challenge in treating autoimmune diseases is achieving effective long-term management while minimizing side effects.

Symptoms and Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Characteristic features include morning stiffness and joint swelling.
Nodules under the skin are known as rheumatoid nodules, associated with the condition.
Inflammation around the heart leading to chest pain is referred to as pericarditis.

Immunological Aspects

An immunological response involving T cells and B cells leads to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Genetic risks for RA include specific Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), which are crucial for immune recognition.
Proinflammatory cytokines play a role in amplifying the inflammatory process within affected joints.

Cytokines and Hormonal Influence

Key cytokines in RA include TNF-α, IL-1, and GM-CSF, with TNF-α driving joint inflammation and disease progression.
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) involvement in RA is complex, with some statements about it being potentially misleading.
Sex hormones can influence RA risk, particularly estrogens, which may exacerbate or modulate immune responses.

Mycoplasma Characteristics

Mycoplasma bacteria have unique structural features that confer natural resistance to certain antibiotics.

Joint Involvement and Inflammatory Cycles

Joint involvement in RA typically manifests as symmetrical polyarthritis.
Chondrocytes produce significant cytokines that perpetuate joint damage and inflammation in RA.

Cytokines in RA Pathogenesis

A variety of cytokines facilitate the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, contributing to the pathology of RA.
GM-CSF primarily assists in the differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic cells involved in immune responses.

Other Notable Points

Not all mentioned cell types are sources of proinflammatory cytokines in RA, highlighting the complexity of immune interactions in the disease.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about autoimmunity, the system of immune responses against an organism's own healthy cells and tissues. Understand how the body develops intolerance to its own antigens, leading to diseases characterized by specific immune responses against self-tissues.