Autoimmune Diseases

These flashcards cover essential terminology and concepts related to autoimmune diseases, their mechanisms, manifestations, and examples as presented in the lecture.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Exaggerated immune responses that can cause tissue damage; classified into types II, III, and IV.

Organ Specific Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases that primarily affect one organ.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

A prototype systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by a butterfly rash and multiple organ involvement.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and fatigability due to antibody-mediated reduction of acetylcholine receptors.

Auto-antibodies

Antibodies that target one's own proteins or cells.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and results in joint damage.

Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) Test

A test that screens for autoimmune disorders, especially Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Joint Destruction in RA

Caused by inflammation of the synovium leading to the degradation of cartilage and bone.

Pathogenesis of RA

Involves the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and formation of immune complexes that trigger joint inflammation.

Treatment for SLE

Includes NSAIDs, antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine, and immunosuppressive agents.

Complement Activation

A process that enhances the ability of antibodies to clear pathogens and damaged cells, often implicated in autoimmune diseases.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder that increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications.

Type II Hypersensitivity

An immune response leading to damaging antibody-mediated interactions with cell surfaces.

Type III Hypersensitivity

An immune response that involves the formation of antigen-antibody complexes that can damage tissues.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

A delayed-type hypersensitivity response involving T-cell mediated immune reactions.