Automimmune Diease 2!

What is autoimmunity?

Failure of the immune system to recognize “self.”

What are the 2 classifications of autoimmune diseases?

Systemic and organ-specific.

Which diseases are systemic autoimmune diseases?

SLE and RA.

Which diseases are organ-specific autoimmune diseases?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and myasthenia gravis.

What does SLE stand for?

Systemic lupus erythematosus.

What self-antigens can antibodies target in SLE?

DNA, platelets, cell-surface proteins, or IgG.

What are ANA?

Anti-nuclear antibodies directed toward different nuclear components.

What can antibodies against red blood cells cause in SLE?

Hemolytic anemia.

What does immune-complex deposition in organs cause?

Organ damage.

What organ damage is specifically noted in SLE?

Kidney damage.

What is a major SLE treatment category?

Pain relievers and non-specific immunosuppressants.

What immunotherapy is listed for SLE?

Belimumab (Benlysta®).

What type of antibody is belimumab?

An IgG1-lambda monoclonal antibody.

What does belimumab reduce?

B-cell-mediated immunity and the autoimmune response.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Innate and adaptive immune systems attack the synovial membrane.

What does RA attack around the joints?

The synovial membrane.

What is the anti-CD20 B-cell inhibitor for RA?

Rituximab (Rituxan).

What is the T-cell activation inhibitor for RA?

Abatacept (Orencia).

What is the IL-6 receptor blocker for RA?

Tocilizumab (Actemra).

What is the IL-1 receptor antagonist for RA?

Anakinra (Kineret).

Which drugs are TNF-alpha inhibitors?

Adalimumab (Humira) and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia).

Where are insulin-producing beta cells located?

In the pancreas.

What do pancreatic beta cells produce?

Insulin.

What happens to beta cells in Type 1 DM?

The immune system attacks and destroys them.

What is the result of beta-cell destruction in Type 1 DM?

No insulin → high blood glucose.

What is the treatment for Type 1 DM?

Supply insulin.

What antibodies occur in myasthenia gravis?

Auto-antibodies against acetylcholine receptors.

What do myasthenia gravis antibodies prevent?

Acetylcholine from binding to its receptors.

What else do myasthenia gravis antibodies do?

Activate complement, destroying the receptors.

What happens to skeletal muscles in myasthenia gravis?

Progressive weakening of skeletal muscles.

What are the listed treatments for myasthenia gravis?

Cholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.