4.1.13 Autoimmune Diseases

Question 1

What is an autoimmune disease?

Answer 1

Antibodies, T cells and B cells attack self-antigens (glycoprotein and glycolipid receptors on the surfaces of cells)

Can be targeted towards a single organ or the whole body

Arthritis is an example

Question 1

What is arthritis

Answer 1

• Autoimmune disease
• Affects joints
• Begins in fingers and hands but can spread to shoulders and elsewhere
• Muscle spasms, inflamed tendons, joint pain, lethargy

Question 2

Causes of autoimmune diseases?

Answer 2

• Genetics influencing factor, where susceptibility is inherited
• Environment
• Bad luck