Pathology: Immune Dysfunction - Autoimmune Diseases

Front 1

What are 3 different ways that antigens can mediate autoimmune reactions?

Back 1

1. host antigens may be recognized as non-self if modified by infection, inflammation, or drugs
2. normally isolated antigens may be released into circulation after trauma or infection, and are recognized as foreign
3. foreign antigen may share a common structure w/a host antigen -> Ab's may react a/g the cross-reacting self-antigen

Front 2

What are 2 ways in which dysregulated T cells can cause autoimmune disorders?

Back 2

decrease in T suppressor cell fn OR increase in helper T fn (may drive B cells to high levels of autoAb production)

Front 3

How could EBV contribute to autoimmunity?

Back 3

nonspecific B cell activation by EBV may trigger polyclonal antibody formation

(note:ALL human B cells are activated by EBV)

Front 4

What evidence is there that autoimmune disorders may be influenced by genetic factors?

Back 4

1. many autoimmune d/o's are assoc w/increased incidence of other autoimmune d/o's
2. some HLA antigens are assoc w/certain autoimmune d/o's

Front 5

What are some examples of autoimmune disorders that are associated with an increased incidence of other autoimmune disorders?

Back 5

Hashimoto thyroiditis, pernicious anemia, IDDM, Sjogren syndrome