Autoimmunity

Question 1

Define central tolerance.

Answer 1

Process of eliminating developing B and T cell lymphocytes that are self-reactive.

Question 2

Define peripheral tolerance.

Answer 2

Ensures T and B cells aren’t self-reactive once they leave primary lymphoid organs in lymph nodes.

Question 3

What are the 2 mechanisms of failure?

Answer 3

Death of cells by apoptosis that do not interact with MHC molecules. Negative selection and death of cells with high affinity receptors for self MHC/self antigen.

Question 4

What is autoimmunity?

Answer 4

Activation of the adaptive immune response with T and B lymphocytes responding to self-antigen.

Question 5

What is type 3 hypersensitivity?

Answer 5

Accumulation of immune complexes that haven’t been cleared from circulation.

Question 6

Give 2 features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Answer 6

Inflammation of the joints. Inflammation of the skin.