immunology: autoimmunity Flashcards
What is the definition of autoimmunity
Immune response directed against self antigen resulting in inflammation & destruction of healthy tissue
What is the main target organs in autoimmunity
Skin, kidneys, joints & vessels
What is the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes
Organ specific autoimmune disease with selective destruction of pancreatic b- cells by autoreactive CD4+ & CD8+ T cells
What is a cause in type one diabetes for autoimmunity
Strong HLA associated loss of normal T cell regulatory mechanisms
What is the mechanisms causing type 2 hypersensitivity
Antibody against cell-surface antigen/matrix antigen
What is the three ways in which type 2 hypersensitivity occur
- Self-antibody causes cell destruction through complement binding
- Phagocytosis
- Antibody induced cytotoxicity
What is the mechanisms causing type 3 hypersensitivity
Immune complex disease
What happens in type 3 hypersensitivity
Excess antibody & antigen complexes clog the system & trigger inflammation
What is the mechanisms causing type 4 hypersensitivity
T cell mediated disease
