Unit 3 Part 1 Introduction To Autoimmune Disorders
Unit 3 Part 1 Introduction To Autoimmune Disorders
Unit 3 Part 1 Introduction To Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune Disorders
• Research has found an association between certain HLA and a risk of developing
certain autoimmune disorders
• People who have the HLA-B27 have a 100 x greater chance of developing ankylosing spondylitis
• Exposure to the foreign antigens may trigger immune responses that CROSS-REACT with human self-
antigens
• Example – Streptococcus pyogenes and rheumatic fever (autoimmune disorder that affects joint and the
heart). Patients not treated for the strep infection with antibiotics may develop scarlet fever or pharyngitis.
• This leads to rheumatic fever – caused by production of antibodies to the M protein and N-acetyl
glucosamine (components of bacteria)
• These antibodies CROSS REACT with cardiac myosin (heart muscle) – leads to damage of the heart
Mechanisms of Autoimmunity – Microbial Infections
• Superantigens
• Proteins that are produced by some microorganisms which have the ability to bind class II MHC molecules
and TCRs
• Examples include staphylococcal antigens that cause food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome
• Viruses such as EBV and CMV can cause polyclonal activation of B cells
Mechanisms of Autoimmunity – Epigenetics
• Refers to modifications in gene expression that are NOT caused by
changes in the original DNA sequence
• May be triggered by
• Environmental toxins
• Ingestion of toxic food or drugs
• Aging process
• Leads to over or under-expression of certain genes resulting
• Homeostatic imbalance leads to
• Breakdown of self-tolerance leads to
• Autoimmunity disorder
• In addition, may have exposure to environmental factors at the protein level
• Involved the biochemical reactions, which lead to an alteration of the immunogenicity of an antigen
• End up with an autoimmune situation
• Examples include RA and MS
Classification of Autoimmune Diseases
• Systemic
• The autoimmunity is directed against an antigen that is present at many
different sites and can include involvement of several organs
• Organ-specific
• Organ-specific means the autoimmunity is directed against a component of
one particular type of organ.
• May overlap systemic and organ specific
• Excellent chart on classification
https://www.palpath.com/MedicalTestPages/autoimclass.htm
Thank you for listening!