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Immunology > L19-20 - Autoimmunity > Flashcards

L19-20 - Autoimmunity Flashcards

1
Q

What is autoimmunity?

A

Immune response against a self antigen

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2
Q

What is an autoantigen?

A

Any self protein that can trigger an immune response

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3
Q

What is autoimmune disease?

A

A build up of pathological changes resulting from an autoimmune response

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4
Q

What are the specific (2) and main non-specific (3) effector mechanisms of autoimmune damage?

A

Specific - antibodies, T cells

Non-specific - complement, phagocytes, NK cells

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5
Q

What are organ specific autoimmune diseases?

Give 2 examples

A

Damage is confined to the organ targeted in the immune response

Myasthenia gravis, Grave’s disease, T1 diabetes, autoimmune haemolytic anaemias

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6
Q

What are systemic autoimmune diseases?

Give 2 examples

A

Immune response against antigens associated with multiple tissue types

Rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus, reiter’s syndrome

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7
Q

What are the 3 general causes of autoimmune disease?

A

Genetics, environmental factors, errors in immune regulation

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8
Q

What gene complex is most commonly associated with autoimmunity? What specifically is it associated with?

A

HLA complex (includes MHC genes)

The control of and susceptibility to autoimmune disease

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9
Q

What environmental triggers can result in autoimmune disease?

A

Pathogens, drugs/toxins, hormones

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10
Q

How do hormones affect autoimmune disease susceptibility?

A

Females more at risk due to oestrogen levels

Young - high oestrogen stimulates B related autoimmunity
Older - low oestrogen stimulates T related autoimmunity

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11
Q

How is autoimmunity involved in pregnancy?

A
  • Rising hormones can cause abortion

- Endometriosis and preeclampsia thought to be autoimmune

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12
Q

What can complement deficiencies result in in terms of autoimmune disease?

A

CD59 and 55 deficiencies - autoimmune haemolytic anaemia

Classical pathway deficiencies - systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis

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13
Q

What is Myasthenia gravis?

A

Neuromuscular disorder with progressive weakness and loss of muscle control

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14
Q

What is the pathogenesis of Myasthenia gravis?

A

Autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors (involved in muscle contraction)

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15
Q

What is the pathogenesis of Grave’s disease?

A

Autoantibodies mimic TSH and bind to TSH receptors

This increases thyroid hormone production, producing hyperthyroidism

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16
Q

What are the treatment options for Grave’s disease?

A

Ease symptoms (anxiety, high HR, sweating) with beta-blockers

Treat hyperthyroidism with anti-thyroid medication, radioactive iodine or surgery

17
Q

What is the pathology of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus?

A

T cell mediated autoimmunity destroys pancreatic beta cells

Reduces insulin output

18
Q

What is the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?

A
  • IgM, G and A against IgG Fc regions produced

- Immune complexes congregate in joint synovium, so reaction results in inflamed joints

19
Q

What is the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever?

A
  • Body produces antibodies against Streptococcus pyogenes during infection
  • These cross-react with heart tissue
20
Q

What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? What is its pathology?

A

Widespread tissue damage and inflammation

Autoantibodies created against cell nuclei, dsDNA, nucleoproteins, and cytoplasmic proteins (related to T and B cell hyperactivity)

21
Q

How is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated?

A

Medication to ease symptoms as there is no cure:

  • Anti-inflammatories for sore joints
  • Steroid creams for rashes
  • Corticosteroids for general inflammation
22
Q

What is Reiter’s syndrome?

A

Reactive arthritis in response to infection

23
Q

What are the signs of Reiter’s syndrome?

A

Joint inflammation (especially knees and ankles), inflammation of the eyes and urinary tract, hard nodules on the feet

24
Q

What is the cause of Reiter’s syndrome?

A

Bacterial infection in the intestines, urinary tract, or genitals

E.g. STIs, Salmonella, Shigella

25
Q

What are some general ways to diagnose autoimmune diseases?

A

CRP, autoantibody titres, rheumatoid factor presence

26
Q

How is T1 diabetes diagnosed?

A

Fasting glucose test

27
Q

What are the general treatment options for autoimmune disease?
(6)

A
  • Anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids)
  • Immunosupressants (e.g. methotrexate)
  • Cell blocking reagents (e.g. aCD20, aCD3)
  • Cytokine blocking reagents (e.g. TNF)
  • Radiation
  • Plasmaphoresis

Immunology (12 decks)

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