Autoimmune Diseases Lecture Notes PDF

Immunology-1 Bio-207 Autoimmune Diseases: Mechanisms, Types, and Impact Dr. Manal Abouelwafa Badr University in Assiut Biotechnology Department [email protected] Lecture-5 Introduction to Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases occur when the...

Immunology-1 Bio-207 Autoimmune Diseases: Mechanisms, Types, and Impact Dr. Manal Abouelwafa Badr University in Assiut Biotechnology Department [email protected] Lecture-5 Introduction to Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. Key Point: The immune system is designed to defend against foreign invaders (e.g., pathogens), but in autoimmune diseases, it targets the body’s own organs, tissues, or cells. Prevalence: Affects millions globally; can impact any organ system. How the Immune System Normally Works  The immune system protects the body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Innate Immunity: The first line of defense (e.g., barriers, macrophages). Adaptive Immunity: Targets specific pathogens (e.g., T-cells, B-cells, antibodies). Tolerance Mechanism: In a healthy immune system, tolerance mechanisms prevent it from attacking self-cells (e.g., central and peripheral tolerance).  What Happens in Autoimmunity? Loss of Self-Tolerance: The immune system fails to recognize self from non- self, leading to attacks on the body’s own tissues. Key Factors: Genetic predisposition Environmental triggers (e.g., infections, drugs, or toxins) Dysregulated immune system Types of Autoimmune Diseases Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases: Type 1 Diabetes: Attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Immune cells attack the myelin sheath of nerve fibers. Graves’ Disease: Immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to hyperthyroidism. Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Affects multiple organs, including skin, kidneys, and joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Immune system attacks joints, leading to inflammation and deformity. Sjögren’s Syndrome: Attacks moisture-producing glands, causing dry mouth and eyes.  Graves’ Disease Multiple Sclerosis Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathophysiology of Autoimmune Diseases Immune Cells Involved: T-cells: Often involved in attacking tissues (e.g., in MS). B-cells: Produce autoantibodies (e.g., in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis). Cytokines: Inflammatory molecules that mediate immune responses. Autoantibodies: Abnormal antibodies that target the body’s own cells (e.g., anti-dsDNA in lupus). Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases General Symptoms: Fatigue Fever Joint pain and swelling Skin rashes Muscle weakness Organ-Specific Symptoms: Symptoms depend on which organ is targeted (e.g., kidney failure in lupus, dry mouth/eyes in Sjögren’s). Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases Clinical Evaluation: Physical examination and detailed medical history. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests: Autoantibody tests (e.g., ANA for lupus, RF for rheumatoid arthritis). Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound for organ involvement. Biopsy: In some cases, tissue samples may be taken to confirm diagnosis (e.g., muscle biopsy in myositis). Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases Immunosuppressive Medications: Drugs that reduce immune system activity. Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Target specific immune components. Biologics: Target specific immune proteins (e.g., TNF inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis). Symptom Management: Pain relief, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Surgical Interventions: In some cases (e.g., organ damage in diabetes or lupus). Impact of Autoimmune Diseases Quality of Life: Chronic pain, fatigue, and disability can impact daily living. Economic Impact: High healthcare costs, disability, and loss of productivity. Psychosocial Impact: Mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, due to chronic illness. Risk Factors for Autoimmune Diseases Genetic Predisposition: Family history of autoimmune diseases. Gender: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men. Environmental Triggers: Viral or bacterial infections, smoking, certain medications, and sun exposure. Age: Many autoimmune diseases develop in young adulthood or middle age Research and Future Directions Biological Research: Investigating the underlying mechanisms of autoimmunity, genetic risk factors, and immune regulation. New Therapies: Personalized medicine, gene therapy, and the development of more targeted treatments. Preventive Approaches: Early diagnosis, vaccination against triggering infections, and lifestyle modifications.  Write in max. 3 pages in one of autoimmune diseases……