4) Compare & contrast autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiency

Immune Deficiency: Subcategories

Primary (inherited/congenital), Secondary (acquired)

Autoimmune Disease: Definition

The body fails to recognize certain cells as self and mounts an immune response against them

Autoimmune Disease: Target

This immune response targets and attacks the body's own tissues

Autoimmune Disease: Affected Tissues

Can affect bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues

Autoimmune Disease: Number of Diseases

More than 80 identified autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune Disease: Gender Statistics

Women are 2 times more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune Disease: Treatment

Most lack a cure; management focuses on symptom control by suppressing the immune response

Autoimmune Disease: Examples

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriasis, Lupus, Thyroid diseases, Type 1 Diabetes

Immune Deficiency: Definition

Characterized by a weakened or impaired immune system, making the body unable to adequately fight off infections and diseases

Immune Deficiency: Types

Primary vs Secondary

Primary Immune Deficiency: Cause

Result from genetic mutations; may involve B cells (leading to loss of antibody production) or T cells (resulting in fewer T cells)

Primary Immune Deficiency: Nature

Inherited/congenital

Primary Immune Deficiency: Examples

Chronic Neutropenia, DiGeorge Syndrome

Secondary Immune Deficiency: Cause

Related to underlying disease or environmental factors

Secondary Immune Deficiency: Nature

Acquired

Secondary Immune Deficiency: Examples

HIV, chemotherapy, malnutrition, bone marrow suppression

Comparison: Autoimmune Disorders

Involve an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues (self). The immune system is functioning, but incorrectly, targeting internal components

Comparison: Immune Deficiencies

Involve an underperforming or absent immune system, which is unable to effectively defend the body against external threats like pathogens or internal threats such as cancer cells. The immune system's capacity to respond is compromised