Introduction to Autoimmunity Quiz

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies, which are proteins that target specific antigens.

Special proteins made by B cells that bind to self-antigens, triggering an immune response against the body's own tissues.

A type of white blood cell that plays a key role in coordinating and regulating the immune response.

A malfunction in the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, leading to an attack on the body's own tissues.

The process by which the immune system learns to tolerate its own tissues and cells.

Molecules that trigger an immune response, such as proteins, carbohydrates, or lipids.

An immune response that is directed against the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and damage.

Immune complexes formed by the binding of autoantibodies to self-antigens, which can trigger inflammation and tissue damage.

A group of autoimmune diseases that impact multiple organ systems. Think "systemic" as in "whole body".

A complex autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, leading to a wide range of symptoms.

A type of immune cell that helps identify and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

Immune cells that attack the body's own tissues mistakenly.

Proteins produced by the immune system that bind to specific targets, triggering an immune response.

An inflammatory condition caused by the body's own immune system attacking the kidneys.

Substances formed when autoantibodies bind to self-antigens, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

A group of proteins that, when activated, can cause cell lysis and inflammation. They play a role in immune complex-mediated tissue damage in autoimmune diseases.

Occurs when immune complexes deposit in body tissues, activating cytokines and the complement system, resulting in inflammation, vasculitis, and rash.

A specific type of kidney disease associated with SLE, where immune complexes activate the inflammatory process within the kidneys.

Preceding the environmental trigger, this indicates a person might be more susceptible to developing an autoimmune disorder.

This trigger can be an infection or environmental exposure that can kickstart the autoimmune process in someone who is genetically predisposed.

This involves the immune system mistaking self-antigens for foreign invaders, generating autoantibodies that target these self-antigens.

This is a hallmark of autoimmune disorders and involves the immune system targeting its own tissues, forming complexes with self-antigens.

A group of medications used to reduce swelling and inflammation in joints, often prescribed for autoimmune diseases like Lupus.

These medications help suppress the immune system's overactivity, reducing inflammation and its related symptoms.

These drugs are usually used to manage autoimmune conditions that affect joints and other organs.

These medications specifically target and reduce harmful B cells in the immune system, potentially helping to manage autoimmune conditions like Lupus.

These drugs are very strong and are used in severe cases where other treatments have failed and major organs are affected.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

In Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.

TSI binds to TSH receptors on thyroid cells, imitating TSH and leading to increased thyroid hormone production. This causes hyperthyroidism, thyroid enlargement, and other symptoms.

A decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, accompanied by an increase in thyroid hormone levels.

An autoimmune disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones due to the presence of antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland.

A laboratory test that measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibodies in the blood.

A diagnostic test that measures the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland, reflecting its activity.

An imaging technique using ultrasound waves to visualize the structure and blood flow within the thyroid gland.

Increased production of thyroid hormone, caused by thyroid-stimulating antibodies.

It is an autoimmune disorder, not infectious.

The thyroid gland produces increased thyroid hormone, not decreased.

A group of blood tests that assess kidney function, liver function, fluid and electrolyte balance, and albumin levels.

SLE can affect various organs, including the kidneys. To assess this, doctors order a CMP and a urinalysis, which analyzes urine for abnormalities.

A test that examines a sample of tissue taken from a rash. It helps identify the presence of inflammation and immune activity, which is consistent with SLE.

A blood test that detects the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), which are often present in individuals with SLE.

Individuals with family members diagnosed with autoimmune disorders have a higher chance of developing SLE. This suggests a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, viral infections, smoking, and certain dietary components, can trigger immune responses in genetically predisposed individuals.

While SLE can occur in both genders, it's significantly more common in females. This suggests a hormonal influence on the development of the disease.