5 Autoimmunity

Question 1

Define autoimmunity and autoimmune disease

Answer 1

Question 2

Autoimmune diseases can cause tissue fibrosis. Why is this such a problem?

Answer 2

Tissue fibrosis= really difficult to treat

Question 3

What are the 6 criteria for diagnosing a disease as autoimmune?

Answer 3

Question 4

What are the mechanisms for the induction of autonimmunity?

Answer 4

1. Central
   
   1. Failure- detect autoreactive T-cells
2. Peripherally
   
   1. Regulatory T-cells defect
   2. Impaired immunomodulation
   3. Altered self antigens
3. Auto reactive B cells intervention
   
   1. T cell independent

Question 5

Give some triggers (/risk factors) of autoimmunity: (think genetic and environmental)

Answer 5

• Genetic
  
  • Sibling with disease
  • Identical twin with disease
  • AIRE mutations- affect central tolerance
  • Autoimmune disease associated with MHC
• Environmental
  
  • Hormones
  • Infections
  • Drugs

Question 6

**Give 3 examples of diseases that can occur if IgG antibodies transfer from the mother gto the foetus during pregnancy and cause a transitory autoimmune disease in the new born.

Answer 6

1. **Haemolytic disease of newborn
2. Neonatal lupus

Question 7

What infection can cause type 2 hypersensitivity reaction?

Answer 7

Strep pyogenes

Rheumatic fever

Question 8

Outline the general approach that is used to treat autoimmunity.

Answer 8