immunology

Question 1

The 21-beta hydroxylase Ag only affects which organ/s involved in steroidogenesis? What type of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome is this? Which immune cells are active in this process primarily?

Answer 1

Adrenal glands
APS II
T and B cells

Question 2

T-cells with a strong self affinity can fail to be selected against in persons with which thymic deficiency? Which autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome is consistent with this finding and which enzymes are targeted?

Answer 2

AIRE autoimmune regulator gene which codes a TF involved in the expression of self peptides on HLA I and II molecules, in the thymus medullary cells.

APS II -Antibodies target desmolase and 17 alpha hydroxylase and affect both the adrenal glands and gonads

Question 3

What are some of the deleterious effects of anti sperm Ab

Answer 3

sperm immobilization, decreased penetration of the cervical mucous, interference with the acrosomal reaction, inhibit motility, implantation etc.

Question 4

Your new patient presents with infertility and a hx of endometriosis with serum IgM and IgG antibodies positive for what likely protein in the basalis?

Answer 4

laminin

Inflammatory reaction due to autoantibodies to laminin in 60% of women with endometriosis

Question 5

How do anti-phospholipid antibodies lead to infertility in women?

Answer 5

Cause clotting, damage the trophoblast and its cells, vessels, placenta.

Question 6

What is the most common etiology for APS antibody formation?

Answer 6

Viral or bacterial molecular mimicry