Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases

<p>They are not completely understood</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Exposure to certain environmental factors is harmful</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Enhance immune responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their linkage to autoimmune diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A combination of genetics and environmental factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Connective tissues and blood vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune complexes and autoantibodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Connective tissue diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmune reactions against body tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antigen-presenting cells (APCs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune complexes and connective tissue damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Non-specific reactions directed at body structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Supportive framework for organs and vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased susceptibility to infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Variations in these genes may increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>APCs present self-antigens to lymphocytes, triggering an autoimmune response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Systemic in nature, affecting multiple organs</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cytokines activate lymphocytes, leading to an inappropriate immune response against self-antigens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoantibodies targeting these complexes can contribute to the systemic inflammation characteristic of SLE.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A self-perpetuating loop that amplifies the autoimmune response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are primarily composed of T lymphocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Women have higher levels of hormones that can influence immune responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They regulate the intensity of immune responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>IgG</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To induce inflammation and tissue damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased production of T lymphocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They can both enhance and suppress the immune response, depending on the context</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By manipulating immune checkpoints</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chronic ischemia that results in atrophy</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Inflammation of the blood vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They contribute to the development of fibrosis in the dermis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased production of collagen</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased risk of infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fibroblasts</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It has a complex pathogenesis involving multiple factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The underlying reason is a failure of self-tolerance in the immune system, and environmental factors such as uv radiation and nuclear radiation can alter immune responses and lead to the exposure of antigens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system fails to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to an immune response against the body's own tissues, resulting in tissue damage and disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune complexes are formed when antibodies bind to antigens, and they can contribute to tissue damage by activating complement and triggering an inflammatory response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scleroderma causes skin thickening and fibrosis due to the activation of fibroblasts and the deposition of collagen, leading to skin hardening and tightening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmune diseases often target connective tissue, leading to inflammation and damage, and connective tissue is a common site for immune complex deposition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ultraviolet radiation can alter immune responses and lead to the exposure of antigens, increasing the risk of autoimmune disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Polymorphic genes linked to autoimmunity increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, as they can affect the function of immune cells and the regulation of immune responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmune diseases occur when the balance between immune tolerance and immune response is disrupted, leading to an overactive immune response and tissue damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Self-tolerance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It can lead to autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tolerization</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Self-reactive lymphocytes can cause damage to self-tissues if not properly regulated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It can trigger harmful immune responses against the body's own tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The presence of an antigen can lead to tolerance if lymphocytes do not react to it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tolerance signifies the absence of an immune response to self-antigens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They do not recognize or respond to self-antigens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune complexes, formed by the binding of antibodies to antigens, can trigger inflammation and tissue damage. This occurs because immune complexes activate complement, a system of proteins involved in immune responses. Complement activation leads to the release of inflammatory mediators, attracting immune cells to the site of the complex. This can lead to further tissue damage and the development of autoimmune disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Checkpoints are regulatory mechanisms that control the activation and suppression of immune responses. They involve molecules like CTLA-4 and PD-1, which act as &quot;brakes&quot; on immune cells, preventing excessive activation. In autoimmune diseases, these checkpoints may be dysregulated, leading to uncontrolled immune responses against self-antigens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scleroderma leads to excessive fibrosis, or thickening of the dermis. This is due to the activation of fibroblasts, cells that produce collagen and other connective tissue components. The increased collagen deposition leads to the characteristic hardening and thickening of the skin seen in scleroderma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text states that scleroderma is more common in women of reproductive age, suggesting a potential hormonal influence. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is possible that hormones like estrogen may play a role in modulating the immune system and influencing the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases like scleroderma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, can target self-antigens in scleroderma, triggering the immune response. This activation leads to the involvement of complement, a system of proteins that can amplify the immune response and cause tissue damage. The inflammatory processes induced by complement contribute to the fibrosis and other pathological changes seen in scleroderma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>This statement implies that autoimmune diseases are complex and likely result from the interplay of multiple genes, each contributing a small effect. This concept of polygenic inheritance suggests that identifying the specific genetic factors involved in autoimmune diseases will be challenging and require extensive research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Polymorphic genes are genes that have multiple variations within a population. This means that different individuals may have different versions of these genes, which could potentially influence their susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Understanding these variations and their impact on immune function is crucial for developing personalized medicine approaches to autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The knowledge of immune complexes and their role in triggering inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune diseases provides a valuable target for therapeutic intervention. Developing drugs that can disrupt the formation of immune complexes, inhibit complement activation, or neutralize the inflammatory mediators released by these complexes, could potentially alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression of autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune complexes, formed by the binding of antibodies to antigens, can deposit in the walls of blood vessels. This deposition triggers an inflammatory cascade, attracting immune cells that release damaging enzymes and cytokines. This can lead to blood vessel damage, characterized by necrotizing vasculitis, affecting capillaries, small arteries, and arterioles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>This cycle represents a positive feedback loop: Interferons, produced in response to the initial immune activation, further activate lymphocytes, primarily T cells. Activated T cells, in turn, stimulate antigen-presenting cells (APCs), like macrophages, to release more interferon and activate other lymphocytes. This continuous loop amplifies the immune response, leading to sustained inflammation and tissue damage characteristic of autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoantibodies directed against phospholipid–protein complexes can bind to these complexes, forming immune complexes. These immune complexes can then deposit in various tissues, including blood vessels, kidneys, and skin. This deposition triggers inflammation and activates the complement system, leading to the characteristic clinical manifestations of SLE, such as vasculitis, nephritis, and skin lesions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fibrin deposition, along with other proteins like collagen, is part of the excessive extracellular matrix accumulation that occurs in scleroderma. Fibrin deposition contributes to the thickening and hardening of the skin, a hallmark of scleroderma. This thickening also restricts blood flow and causes the characteristic tightening and contractures of the skin in affected individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmune diseases arise from a breakdown of self-tolerance, where the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues. This lack of specificity means that immune responses can be directed against various organs and tissues throughout the body. The widespread nature of these responses leads to the diverse clinical manifestations observed in different autoimmune diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Understanding the role of immune complexes in autoimmune diseases is crucial for developing new therapies because immune complexes are often the mediators of tissue damage. By targeting the formation, deposition, or removal of immune complexes, new therapies can aim to reduce inflammation, prevent tissue damage, and improve patient outcomes. This includes developing drugs that inhibit complement activation, enhance clearance of immune complexes, or block the production of autoantibodies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cytokines, signaling molecules produced by immune cells, play a crucial role in both initiating and sustaining inflammation in autoimmune diseases. They act as messengers, amplifying the immune response and attracting more immune cells to the site of inflammation. These activated immune cells release additional cytokines, creating a positive feedback loop that perpetuates inflammation and contributes to tissue damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fibrin deposition, a hallmark of scleroderma, often occurs alongside perivascular cellular infiltrate. This infiltrate consists of immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages that gather around blood vessels. These immune cells contribute to the inflammatory process, releasing factors that further promote fibrin deposition and contribute to the characteristic fibrosis and thickening of the skin observed in scleroderma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic susceptibility plays a crucial role in SLE, as the text highlights the association of certain polymorphic genes with autoimmunity. These genes may predispose individuals to developing SLE by influencing immune responses and self-tolerance. Environmental triggers, such as exposure to viruses, bacteria, or even ultraviolet radiation, can further contribute to the development of SLE by potentially altering immune responses and stimulating autoantibody production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cytokines, particularly pro-inflammatory ones, are crucial mediators in the pathogenesis of SLE. Their activation of T cells can lead to a cascade of events. Activated T cells, including autoreactive T cells, can differentiate into effector cells that produce more cytokines and promote inflammation. This amplified inflammatory response can target various tissues, leading to the characteristic tissue damage and organ dysfunction observed in SLE.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune complexes form when antibodies bind to antigens, such as self-antigens in SLE. These complexes can accumulate in various tissues and organs, triggering inflammation and tissue damage. They can also activate complement pathways, leading to further tissue destruction. The deposition of immune complexes in the kidneys, for example, can lead to nephritis, a common complication of SLE.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phospholipid-protein complexes are crucial targets for autoantibodies in SLE, as they can trigger a range of autoimmune reactions. These complexes are often found on cell membranes and can be recognized by autoreactive antibodies, leading to the activation of complement and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. This can result in cell damage and tissue injury, contributing to the diverse manifestations of SLE, such as arthritis, skin rashes, and nephritis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scleroderma manifests in skin changes characterized by thickening, hardening, and fibrosis. This fibrosis is caused by excessive collagen deposition, leading to a tightening of the skin and limited mobility. The skin can become taut and leathery, and there may be discoloration and telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels). These skin changes can extend to other tissues and organs, contributing to the systemic nature of scleroderma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fibroblasts play a central role in scleroderma, as their activation leads to excessive collagen deposition, which is the hallmark of this disease. Activated fibroblasts produce and secrete large amounts of collagen, resulting in thickening and hardening of the skin. This excessive collagen accumulation leads to fibrosis and tissue scarring, contributing to the characteristic stiffness and limited mobility observed in scleroderma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Immune checkpoints are molecules on immune cells that act as &quot;brakes&quot; to regulate immune responses, preventing excessive inflammation and autoimmunity. These checkpoints interact with other molecules, such as inhibitory receptors, to maintain immune homeostasis. However, dysfunction or dysregulation of immune checkpoints can lead to an imbalance in immune responses, potentially resulting in autoimmune diseases. If checkpoints are not functioning properly, the immune system may become overactive and attack self-tissues, contributing to the development of autoimmune disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Interferon, particularly type I interferon, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SLE. It is a key player in the inflammatory cycle that drives the disease. Interferon is produced by immune cells in response to various stimuli, including viral infections and autoantigens. It then activates lymphocytes, particularly T cells, which further produce cytokines and enhance the inflammatory response. This creates a positive feedback loop that perpetuates the inflammatory cycle, leading to the tissue damage and organ dysfunction characteristic of SLE.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>environmental</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>scleroderma</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>nuclear</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>immune</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sjögren</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>non-self</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>scleroderma</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antibodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>susceptible</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>virtually</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>autoimmune</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>activation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>activation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>cellular</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>autoantibodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>nuclear</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>nucleoproteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>status</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>immuno</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>autoimmunity</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>infectious</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>T</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>microbial</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>autoimmune</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>autoimmune</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>therapies</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>type</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>edema</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>defect</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>fibrinoid</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>immunoglobulin</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>cardiovascular</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic susceptibility = Refers to the predisposition to develop an autoimmune disease due to inherited traits Environmental triggers = .Include infections, inflammation, and tissue injury that can activate the immune system Organ-specific diseases = Affect specific organs or tissues, such as the thyroid gland or pancreas Systemic diseases = Affect multiple organs or systems, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Self-antigens = The body's own proteins or molecules that trigger an immune response Adaptive immune responses = Specific immune responses that involve the activation of T cells and B cells Inflammation = A bodily response to tissue injury or infection, characterized by swelling, heat, and pain Immune tolerance = The ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Affects the skin and internal organs = Scleroderma Characterized by inflammation and tissue injury = Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Affects the thyroid gland = Hashimoto's thyroiditis Causes joint pain and inflammation = Rheumatoid arthritis</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cytokines = Contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases by activating immune cells Immune complexes = Form when antibodies bind to antigens, leading to tissue injury and inflammation Genetic predisposition = Increases the risk of developing an autoimmune disease Environmental factors = Trigger or exacerbate autoimmune diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tissue injury = Direct damage to tissues, leading to inflammation and immune responses Immune response = The body's defense against pathogens, involving immune cells and molecules Autoantibodies = Antibodies that target the body's own proteins or molecules Complement system = A group of proteins that help eliminate pathogens from the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Failure of self-tolerance = Leads to the activation of autoreactive immune cells Activation of immune cells = Causes inflammation and tissue injury Production of cytokines = Amplifies immune responses, leading to tissue damage Deposition of immune complexes = Triggers inflammation and tissue injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fibrosis = The formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue Immunofluorescence = A technique used to detect the presence of antibodies and immune complexes in tissues Vascular Abnormalities = Changes in blood vessels that can lead to narrowing and reduced blood flow Gastrointestinal Tract = The digestive system, which can be affected by fibrosis in Scleroderma</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Connective tissue = Supports and connects other tissues and organs in the body Polymorphic genes = Genes that have multiple variants, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases Checkpoints = Regulatory mechanisms that prevent excessive immune responses Interferon production = Stimulates immune responses, leading to inflammation and tissue injury</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic susceptibility = Increases the risk of developing an autoimmune disease Environmental triggers = Activate or exacerbate autoimmune diseases Immune complexes = Contribute to tissue injury and inflammation in autoimmune diseases Systemic diseases = Affect multiple organs or systems, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Self-tolerance = The ability of the immune system to recognize self-antigens Autoantibodies = Antibodies that mistakenly target and react with a person's own tissues Hyper-sensitivity = An exaggerated immune response to an antigen Phagocytes = Cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Type I = Immediate allergic reaction involving IgE antibodies Type II = Antibody-mediated cytotoxic reaction Type III = Immune complex-mediated reaction leading to tissue damage Type IV = Delayed-type hypersensitivity mediated by T cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Opsonization = Enhanced phagocytosis of cells or pathogens Cytokine release = Increased inflammation and immune activity Immune complex deposition = Tissue damage in affected organs Antigen presentation = Activation of T lymphocytes and immune response</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Systemic Lupus Erythematosus = Multiple organ systems including skin and kidneys Rheumatoid Arthritis = Primarily joints and surrounding tissues Scleroderma = Skin and connective tissues Graves' Disease = Thyroid gland leading to hyperthyroidism</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetic predisposition = Inherited factors increasing susceptibility to autoimmunity Environmental triggers = External factors that may activate latent autoimmune processes Hormonal influences = Changes in hormone levels that can affect immune regulation Infections = Pathogens that mimic self-antigens leading to autoimmune responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Neutralization = Binding to pathogens to inhibit their ability to infect cells Agglutination = Clumping of pathogens for easier phagocytosis Activation of complement = Enhances opsonization and pathogen destruction Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity = Recruitment of immune cells to destroy infected or abnormal cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Verrucous deposs = May orm on eer surace Inlammaon smar o a = May nvove e peura Vas c u  ar n ar row  ng = Re sp ons b e o dy spag  a and ob s r u c   on Nonnlammaor y occuson = Caued by nma vs</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CD4+ T cells = Regulate immune response Macrophages = Phagocytosis and cytokine production B cells = Antibody production Fibroblasts = Collagen synthesis and tissue repair</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Transforming Growth Factor-beta = Promotes fibroblast activation Interferon-gamma = Activates macrophages Interleukin-6 = Stimulates acute phase response Interleukin-1 = Enhances inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Skin thickening = Result of collagen deposition Vascular abnormalities = Narrowing of blood vessels Edema in the dermis = Accumulation of fluid and proteins T-cell infiltration = Presence of immune cells in tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autoimmunity = Immune response against self-antigens Cytokine storm = Excessive immune response leading to tissue damage Fibrosis = Formation of excess connective tissue Endothelial activation = Increased permeability of blood vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Failure of self-tolerance = Leads to autoantibody production Chronic inflammation = Tissue damage and remodeling Microvascular disease = Impaired blood flow to tissues Cytokine dysregulation = Altered immune response signaling</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sun exposure = Increases immune activation Toxin exposure = May trigger autoimmune reactions Viral infections = Can serve as potential triggers for autoimmunity Chronic stress = Modulates immune function</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Butterfly rash = Characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus Sclerodactyly = Thickening of skin on fingers Keloids = Overgrowth of scar tissue in response to injury Raynaud's phenomenon = Color changes in fingers due to temperature changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fibrin deposition = Indicates chronic inflammation CD4 staining = Marks T cell presence in lesions Immune complex accumulation = Triggers local inflammation Pro-inflammatory cytokine presence = Associated with tissue repair failure</p> Signup and view all the answers