Immunological Tolerance and Autoimmunity

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Questions and Answers

Which process eliminates immature T cells that recognize self-antigens with high affinity in the thymus?

  • Negative selection (correct)
  • Immune suppression
  • Activation-induced cell death
  • Positive selection

What is the primary function of T regulatory cells in peripheral tolerance?

  • To activate autoreactive T cells
  • To induce immune suppression
  • To suppress autoreactive T cells (correct)
  • To promote immune privilege

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of peripheral tolerance?

  • Activation-induced cell death
  • Immune suppression
  • Immune privilege
  • Clonal selection (correct)

What is the term for the breakdown of immunological tolerance leading to an immune response against self-antigens?

<p>Autoimmunity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following autoimmune diseases is an example of an organ-specific autoimmune disease?

<p>Hashimoto's thyroiditis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of immunological tolerance in preventing autoimmune diseases?

<p>To suppress autoreactive T cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a hormonal influence that can contribute to autoimmunity?

<p>Estrogen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which immature T cells that recognize self-antigens with low affinity are spared and mature?

<p>Positive selection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Central Tolerance

  • Occurs in the thymus
  • Immature T cells that recognize self-antigens with high affinity are eliminated through apoptosis (negative selection)
  • T cells that recognize self-antigens with low affinity are spared and mature (positive selection)

Peripheral Tolerance

  • Occurs in peripheral tissues
  • Involves mechanisms to prevent autoimmune responses:
    • T regulatory cells (Tregs) suppress autoreactive T cells
    • Activation-induced cell death (AICD) eliminates autoreactive T cells
    • Immune privilege: certain tissues (e.g., eye, brain) have reduced immune surveillance
    • Immune suppression: cytokines (e.g., TGF-β, IL-10) and cells (e.g., Tregs) suppress immune responses

Autoimmunity

  • Occurs when tolerance is broken, and the immune system attacks self-antigens
  • Can be caused by:
    • Genetic predisposition
    • Environmental triggers (e.g., infections, toxins)
    • Hormonal influences
    • Immune system dysfunction
  • Examples of autoimmune diseases:
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Lupus
    • Hashimoto's thyroiditis
    • Multiple sclerosis

Immunological Tolerance and Autoimmunity

  • Immunological tolerance is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases
  • Autoimmune diseases occur when immunological tolerance is broken
  • Understanding tolerance mechanisms can provide insights into autoimmune disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets

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