Autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions Flashcards
What is immunopathology?
The damage to the host caused by the immune response
Can be due to innate or adaptive immune response
May or may not be an obvious pathogen involved
Difference between autoinflammatory and autoimmune response
Autoinflammatory: innate response
Autoimmune: Adaptive response
Mixed: both innate and adaptive
Do autoinflammatory disease tend to be localised or diffuse?
Tend to be localised eg ankylosing spondylitis
- Local factors at sites predisposed to disease lead to activation of innate immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, which results in tissue damage
Mechanisms of autoimmune disease
- Molecular mimicry
- Defective immunoregulation
- T- cell bypass
- Release of “hidden self antigen”
- Cytokines
Give an example of molecular mimicry causing autoimmune disease
Post streptococcal rheumatic fever
Antibodies to M protein on surface of Strep - cross reacts with cardiac myosin .
Give an example of defective immunoregulation leading to autoimmune disease
QUant or qual defect in T reg cells
Observed in: thyroid, islet cell and liver autoimmune disease
Give an example of T cell bypass causing autoimmune disease
-involves the generation of a NEW autoantigen/epitope - can be triggered by drugs or infection
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Modifies antigen on surface of RBC - so it’s susceptible to attack by immune response - autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Give an example of release of hidden self antigen causing autoimmune disease
Mechanism: some insult leads to release of antigen from an organ that has never been exposed to the immune system before
eg post MI - antigens within cardiac myocyte sget released– > Dressler’s syndrome (autoimmune pericarditis)
Give an example of a cytokine causing autoimmune disease
IL-2
Associated with breakdown of peripheral tolerance
Explain the genetics of autoimmune vs autoinflammatory diseases: polygenic vs monogenic
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders can be monogenic or polygenic.
Mixed disorders are always polygenic.
Give some examples of monogenic autoinflammatory conditions
Important ones: FMF
What gene is affected in FMF?
Loss of function mtation in MEFV gene (Lof) >> Genes encode Pyrin-Marenostrin
Autosomal recessive
- Bacteria, urate, toxins etc. will activate cryopyrin.
- This activates ASC and in turn upregulates procaspase 1.
- This leads to increased expression of IL-1, NFkB and apoptosis
- The increased NFkB expression leads to increased TNFa production.
- Pyrin-Marenostrin is a negative regulator of this pathway.
- So:
- A GoF mutation in cryopyrin >> more inflammation
A LoF mutation in Pyrin-Marenostrin >>> more inflammation
Which cells are overactive in FMF?
Neutrophils
pyrin-manenostrin -expressed by neutrophils mainly
This is because there’s REDUCED activity of pyrin-manenostrin - a negative regulator of the INFLAMMASOME compelx.
–> increased activity of inflammasome complex
–> inflammation
Clinical presentation of FMF
Periodic fevers lasting 2-4 days associated with:
Abdominal pain due to peritonitis
Chest pain due to pleurisy and pericarditis
Arthritis
Rash
**SEROSITIS- peritonitis, pleurisy, pericarditis**
think Ps- periodic fevers, peritonitis, pleurisy, pericarditis
What are the complications of FMF?
AA amyloidosis: this is because in episodes of inflammation the liver produces acute phase proteins such as amyloid protein
This deposits in:
- liver
- kidney - nephortic syndrome and renal failure
- spleen
investigations + Treatment of FMF
Colchicine 500ug bd - binds to tubulin in neutrophils and disrupts neutrophil functions including migration and chemokine secretion
then: if is ongoing inflammation and ongoing high levels of serum amyloid:
- Anakinra (Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist) >> Will block cytokines more specifically
- Etanercept (TNF alpha inhibitor)
Which pathway is affected by monogenic auto-inflammatory conditions?
Inflammasome pathway
Increased activity of inflammasome complex
3 mechanisms responsible for monogenic autoimmune diseases - and examples of each
- failure of tolerance: APCED/APS-1
- Abnormality in regulatory T cells- IPEX
- Abnormlaity in lymphocyte apoptosis - APLS 1
Mechanism of APECED
- autosomal recessive
- mutation in AIRE - transcription factor involved in promoting expression of self antigen on thymic T cells - this enables identification and apoptosis of autoreactive T cells in the thymus
- Defect in autoimmune regulator AIRE - less expression of self-antigen in thymus, defect in central tolerance - MORE AUTOREACTIVE T CELLS
- Some autoreactive B cells (but < autoreactive T cells)
some autoreactive B cells because- B cell tolerance is T cell dependent but there is a limited repertoire of autoreactive B cells
Clinical features of APECED
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidasis and ectodermal dystrophy
- hypoparathyoridism
- addison’s disease
- hypothyoridism
- diabetes
- candidiais - due to antibodies against cytokines that protect against candidasis (IL-17 and IL22)
Mechanism of IPEX
X linked recessive mutation in FOXP3 gene
Leads to lack of Treg cells
- autoreactive B cells - that produce autoantibodies
- lack of CD 25+ T cells
(FoxP3 positive cells also express CD25 so a normal person will have CD25+ve cells)
affects PERIPHERAL T cell tolerance
Which CD marker to FOXP3 positive cells express?
CD25
**by the age of 25 you are able to regulate your emotions- T reg cells….**
Symptoms of IPEX
Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome
3Ds:
diarrhoea
dermatitis
diabetes
- Enteropathy >> diarrhoea
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Dermatitis
Mechanism of APLS
- mutation in FAS pathway: Fas binds to Fas Ligand which then signals to activate the death pathway: APOPTOSIS
- defect in apoptosis of T cells- lymphocytes, especially autoreactive T cells
- this leads to failure of tolerance and failure of homeostasis (more and more lymphocytes)
Clinical features of ALPS
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
- High lymphocyte count:
- Double negative CD4-ve and CD8-ve T cells
- Large spleen
- large lymph node
- Autoimmune diseases:
- commonly autoimmune cytopaenias
- Lymphoma- high risk
Examples of polygenic autoinflammatory diseases
- Crohns
- UC
- osteoarthritis
- Takayasu arteritis
- Giant cell arteritis
Genetics of polygenic autoinflammatory disorders
Multiple genes affected:
- Mutations in the genes encoding proteins involved in pathways associated with innate immune cell function
Affect the innate immune system
- lead to activation of innate immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, with resulting tissue damage
HLA associations are less strong
Generally not characterised by the presence of autoantibodies
Examples of mixed pattern diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
Bechets
BAP
Genetics of mixed pattern diseases
- can affect innate and adaptive immune response
- Mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in pathways associated with innate immune cell function AND adaptive immune cell function
- HLA associations may be present
- usually NO AUTOANTIBODIES - usually autoimmune disease
**H for HLA, H for halfway. between autoimmune and autoinflammatory- there are some HLA associations in mixed pattern diseases**
Which mutations may be present in ankylosing spondylitis?
- HLA-B27 - most common mutation
* 50% of the heritability of AS comes down to HLA-B27 – associated with developing ankylosing spondylitis - IL23 Receptor:
- IL receptor type 2
Features of ankylosing spondylitis + clinicap resentaiton + treatment
- tends to occur at specific sites - at ENTHESES - where tendon/ligament inserts into bone
- localised pattern - eg sacroiliac joints
- can get bone formation eg bamboo spine
feature of localisation is characteristic of auto-inflammatory disease
Clinical presentation
- Low back pain and stiffness
- Enthesitis i.e. plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis
- Large joint arthritis
- Sacroiliitis
Treatment
- first line: NSAIDS
- immunosuppression if not responding to NSAIDS - aniti TNF alpha, anti IL17
Pathogenesis of polygenic autoimmune diseases
- genetic polymorphisms
- Mutations in genes encoding proteins involved with pathways associated with adaptive immune cell function
- loss of tolerance >> development of immune reacivity towards self antigens
- generation of autoantibodies
-
HLA associations are very common
- as HLA is involved in presentation of antigen by T cells to B cells
Examples of polygenic autoimmune diseases
genetic polymorphisms (HLA polymorphisms), that lead to loss of tolerance and autoreactive B cells, T cells and autoantibodies
“DRS GG”
diabetes
rheuamtoid
sle
goodpastures
graves
Goodpasture’s disease: HLA association
HLA DR15
HLA-DR2
**these are actually the same**
Graves disease HLA association
HLA-DR3
grave–>serious–>odd number–>HLA DR 3
SLE: HLA association
HLA-DR3
**SLE has 3 letters**
T1DM: HLA association
HLA DR3 or HLA DR 4
RA: HLA association
HLA-DR4
Name two genes that may be mutated in polygenic autoimmune disease - that lead to inappropriate T cell activation
- CTLA4 >>> inappropriate T cell activation.
- PTPN 22 >> failure to control T cell activation >>> more reactive T cells >> autoimmune disease
These are negative regulators of T cell activity
Mutations in these genes lead to overactive T cells/inappropriately activated T cells –> autoimmunity
WHat is the Gel and Coombs classification system for immunopathology?
Classifies immunopathology based on whether it’s predominantly T cell or antibody mediated
-
Type I: immediate hypersensitivity which is IgE mediated (this is allergy)
- Rarely directed at self-antigens so rarely autoimmune
-
Type II: antibody reacts with cellular antigen
- Can be part of autoimmune reaction
- Antibody mediated
-
Type III: antibody reacts with soluble antigen to form an immune complex (which circulate)
- Antibody reacting with soluble antigen forming immune complex and inflammation
- Type IV: delayed-type hypersensitivity, T cell mediated response
Anaphylaxis: Gel and Coombs?
atopic dermatitis?
Type 1 hypersensiivity
*both*
Atopic asthma: gel and coombs?
Type 1 hypersensiivity
Goodpasture disease: gel and coombs?
Type 2 hypersensitivity
Graves disease: gel and coombs?
Type 2
SLE: gel and coombs?
Type 3
Serum sickness: gel and coombs?
Type 3
T1DM: gel and coombs?
Type IV
T!DM- 4 letters; type 4
allergic contact dermatitis: gel and coombs?
Type 4
Multiple sclerosis: gel and coombs?
Type 4
Which Gel and Coombs reactions are autoimmune?
Type 2 is very often autoimmune
Type 3 and 4 are sometimes autoimmune
Aetiology of multiple scleorsis
Th17 cells attack myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein in brain
Features of MS
- Nonspecific neurological symptoms
- → optic neuritis, weakness, blurred vision
- worse vision after bath = Uhthoff’s phenomenon
- tiredness
- weight loss
Diagnosis of MS
Oligoclonal bands of IgG in CSF
Management of MS
Natalizumab - prevents lymphocyte migration into CNS
What can you divide polygenic autoimmune disorders into?List some examples of each
- organ specific
- Graves
- Hashimotos
- Diabetes
- Pernicious anaemia
- Myasthaenia gravis
- Goodpasture’s disease
- organ non-specific
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- SLE
- Sjogren’s
- systemic sclerosis
- dermato/polymyositis
- ANCA associated vasculitis
Clincal picture of graves disease and explain pathology + type of hypersensitivity reaction
type 2 hypersensitivity
signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidisim
- IgG antibodies which stimulate the TSH Receptor
- This stimulates the receptor >> excess production of thyroxine
Pathophsyiology of graves disease
IgG antibodies that stimulate TSH receptor
Type II hypersensitivity reaction - Antibody-driven Autoimmune Disease
HLA association of graves disease
HLA DR 3
Clincial picture of hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism: Lethargic, dry skin and hair, constipation, cold intolerance
- Result in a goitre >> enlarged thyroid infiltrated by T and B cells
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is hashimoto’s thyoriditis?
Type II and Type IV
Pathophyisology of Hashimoto’s thyoriidtis
-
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies- MORE SPECIFIC >>
- Presence correlates with thyroid damage and lymphocyte infiltration
- Anti thyroglobuin antibodies - could be present due to consequence of thyroid damage rather than pathogenic
- destruction of thyroid gland cells
- infiltration of thyroid gland by T and B cells –> GOITRE
What type of hypersensitivity is T1DM?
Type IV
- The antigen is within the pancreatic beta cells
- CD8 mediated destruction of beta cells
Pathophsyiology of T1DM as an immune reaction
- MHC I on beta cells presents self peptide to CD8+ T cells
- self-peptide found in Beta cells: GAD, Islet cell antigen 2
- CD8+ T cells attack Beta cells –> can’t produce insulin
- T cell clones have specificity for islet antigens
Which antibodies are associated with T1DM? what is the significance?
Anti-GAD + Anti- islet cell, others include:
- Anti-insulin
- Anti-IA2
NOTE: individuals with 3-4 of the above are highly likely to develop T1DM
*presence of autoantibodies predates the onset of symptoms by a lot
*currently has no role in diagnosis >> based on clinical manifestation + glucose levels
Which antibodies are present in pernicious anaemia?
Anti intrinisc factor– seems like this is more speciifc (from haem lecture)
Anti parietal cell
- antibodies against intrinsic factor >>>> failure of absorption of vitamin B12.
Features of perncious anaemia
- Vit B12 deficiency
- Macrocytic anaemia- Raised MCV
- hypersegmented neutrophils
clinical features: Tired,pale, mild numbness of feet, macrocytic anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, normal folate
- Neurological features
- subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
- peripheral neuropathy
- optic neuropathy
What is subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
- affects posterior and lateral columns- degeneration - sensory function
- bilateral weakness
- bilateral paraesthesia
- progressive ataxia
- babinski and rhomberg’s test positive
Reversible with B12
peripheral neuropathy + optic neuropathy
Treatment of pernicious anaemia
if antibodies are positive need B12 injections
no point giving PO supplements, need to give injections: Need parenteral vitamin B12
What type of hypersensitivty reaction is myasthenia gravis?
Type II