Immunopathology: Problems with Innate Immunity

Question 1

Explain the general events in acute inflamation?

Answer 1

• changes in blood flow and vessel permeability (rubor/redness, tumor/swelling, calor/heat)
• extravasation of leukocytes and plasma proteins
• accumulation of leukocytes and soluble factors at the site of injury
• leukocyte activation and mediator release (dolor/pain)

Question 2

Explain the significance of IL-1 in inflammation?

Answer 2

Injections of molecules such as Endogenous pyrogen, leukocytic endogenous mediator, lymphocyte activating factor etc. evoked cardinal symptoms of inflammation because they are all Interleukin-1 (IL-1). Interleuin is a term used to describe a protein produced by leukocytes.

Question 3

What is Familial Cold Urticaria?

Answer 3

• Rare disease in which patients develop local and systemic signs of acute inflammation when exposed to the cold.
• Single nucleotide mutations of a gene called cryopyrin
• Found to be associated with newly discovered interleukin -1- converting enzyme (ICE)
• Cryopryin identified as a member of the NOD-like receptors
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Question 4

What is gout?

Answer 4

Gout

• ‘disease of kings’
• consumption of purine-rich foods
• Monosodium-urate formation exceeds renal clearance capacity
• precipitates into crystals

Question 5

What are some features of the drug Anakinra?

Answer 5

Drug: Anakinra

• IL-1 receptor antagonist
• Absolute contraindication:neutropenia
• Probably also useful in pheumatoid arthitis, destructive osteoarthritis and even type II diabetes