Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which mechanism is NOT primarily involved in the establishment of self-tolerance?
Which mechanism is NOT primarily involved in the establishment of self-tolerance?
- Central inactivation or destruction of lymphocytes bearing self-reactive BCRs or TCRs.
- Increased production of autoantibodies targeting ubiquitous self-antigens. (correct)
- Suppression of self-reactive lymphocyte activity by regulatory cells.
- Inactivation of self-reactive lymphocytes in the periphery, leading to anergy.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation for the observed sexual dimorphism in autoimmune diseases?
Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation for the observed sexual dimorphism in autoimmune diseases?
- Variations in susceptibility to specific infectious diseases.
- Differences in reproductive function between males and females.
- Influence of sex hormones on immune responses.
- Identical expression patterns of immune-related genes on sex chromosomes. (correct)
In the context of autoimmunity, what distinguishes Hashimoto's thyroiditis from rheumatoid arthritis?
In the context of autoimmunity, what distinguishes Hashimoto's thyroiditis from rheumatoid arthritis?
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis involves autoantibodies reacting with tissue-specific antigens, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is mediated directly by self-reactive T cells. (correct)
- Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, while Hashimoto's thyroiditis affects joint tissues.
- Both diseases are primarily mediated by complement activation, but they target different tissues.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis is primarily mediated by T cells, while rheumatoid arthritis is driven by autoantibodies.
Which statement best explains the genetic component of autoimmunity?
Which statement best explains the genetic component of autoimmunity?
Consider a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disorder. Which factor would LEAST assist in differential diagnosis?
Consider a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disorder. Which factor would LEAST assist in differential diagnosis?
Autoimmune diseases are often more severe in men than in women. What is the least plausible reason?
Autoimmune diseases are often more severe in men than in women. What is the least plausible reason?
Why do autoimmune diseases often result in chronic and debilitating conditions?
Why do autoimmune diseases often result in chronic and debilitating conditions?
During autoimmunity, what does the body recognize, and how does that recognition manifest?
During autoimmunity, what does the body recognize, and how does that recognition manifest?
If a patient's grandfather suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and their mother suffered from diabetes, what does that tell us about them?
If a patient's grandfather suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and their mother suffered from diabetes, what does that tell us about them?
What can we infer about the underlying mechanisms of autoimmunity from the fact that there are over 80 different autoimmune diseases?
What can we infer about the underlying mechanisms of autoimmunity from the fact that there are over 80 different autoimmune diseases?
Flashcards
Autoimmunity
Autoimmunity
Failure of the immune system to recognize and tolerate self-antigens, leading to an immune response against the body's own tissues.
Self Tolerance
Self Tolerance
The normal state where the immune system does not react against self-antigens.
Mechanisms of Self Tolerance
Mechanisms of Self Tolerance
Inactivation or destruction of self-reactive lymphocytes, occurring in central (thymus, bone marrow) or peripheral (outside lymphoid organs) locations.
Anergy
Anergy
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Sexual Dimorphism in Autoimmunity
Sexual Dimorphism in Autoimmunity
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Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases
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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Study Notes
- Autoimmunity is multifaceted and arises from various mechanisms.
- Environmental and genetic factors significantly influence the risk of autoimmune diseases.
- All factors leading to autoimmune diseases result in a breakdown of self-tolerance.
- Self-tolerance involves inactivating or destroying lymphocytes with BCRs or TCRs that respond to self-antigens.
- Self-reactive cells are inactivated centrally or peripherally, leading to anergy or suppression by regulatory cells.
Sexual Dimorphism
- Females are more frequently affected by most autoimmune diseases than males.
- Sexual dimorphism arises from immune response differences, reproductive function, and sex hormones.
- Susceptibility to infectious diseases contributes to sexual dimorphism.
- Autoimmunity results from genetic changes or predisposition that lead to a loss of self-tolerance.
Autoimmune Diseases
- Autoimmunity results in the attack on cells or organs by antibodies, or sometimes, T cells.
- Autoimmune diseases affect 5-8% of the human population, often causing chronic, debilitating illnesses.
Examples of Autoimmune Diseases
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: autoantibodies recognize red blood cell antigens, leading to the destruction of blood cells.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: antibodies react with thyroid-specific antigens, such as thyroid peroxidase and throbal globulin, causing severe tissue damage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: self-reactive T cells attack tissues in joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and tissue damage.
General Implications
- There are more than 80 diseases stemming from autoimmunity.
- Autoimmunity is caused when cells in the body identify healthy cells as one.
- One in five Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases.
- Women are 75% more likely than men to develop an autoimmune disease.
- Autoimmune diseases tend to cluster in families.
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