U3 L4 Autoimmunity

Question 1

What is autoimmunity?

Answer 1

immune response directed against self antigens (auto antigens)

Question 2

What factors can influence the presence of autoimmunity?

Answer 2

• combination of susceptibility genes
• external triggers e.g. environment, infections, trauma

Question 3

How could autoimmune diseases be described?

Answer 3

1. systemic (non-organ specific) or organ-specific
2. involve adaptive immune system and mix of mechanisms from Type II, III, IV hypersensitivities

Question 4

What percentage of the population are reported to have an autoimmune disease?

Answer 4

3-4%

Question 5

What are the most common autoimmune diseases?

Answer 5

1. overactive thyroid - Graves Disease
2. underactive thyroid - Hashimoto’s Disease
3. Pernicious anaemia - stomach
4. Multiple Sclerosis - CNS
5. Type 1 diabetes
6. Rheumatoid arthritis - systemic
7. SLE (systemic lupus)