autoimmune diseases Flashcards
1
Q
define: autoimmune diseases
A
when the immune system produces autoantibodies, which bind to self antigens on self cells, resulting in an immune attack on those cells.
2
Q
causes of autoimmune diseases?
A
unknown but potentially viral infecitons, genes, hormones, drugs
3
Q
example of autoimmune idsease?
A
• Multiple sclerosis: autoantibodies attack myelin (recognised as non self), causing axons to be exposed, and slowed/blocked transmission of electrical messages down the axon.
