Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Immune Tolerance

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Immune Tolerance

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Problem 20

Textbook Question

Which of the following conditions may lead to the development of autoimmunity?

a. Self antigens not previously encountered by T cells are released into the circulation
b. Foreign antigens mimic self antigens
c. Cells may inappropriately display class II MHC molecules
d. Certain pathogens nonspecifically activate B cells
e. All of the above are correct

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of autoimmunity. Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues, recognizing self-antigens as foreign and initiating an immune response against them.

Step 2: Analyze option (a): Self antigens not previously encountered by T cells are released into the circulation. This can lead to autoimmunity because T cells may recognize these antigens as foreign and attack them.

Step 3: Analyze option (b): Foreign antigens mimic self antigens. This phenomenon, known as molecular mimicry, can cause the immune system to attack self tissues that resemble foreign antigens.

Step 4: Analyze option (c): Cells may inappropriately display class II MHC molecules. Class II MHC molecules are typically displayed by antigen-presenting cells, but if other cells display them incorrectly, it can lead to the activation of T cells against self-antigens.

Step 5: Analyze option (d): Certain pathogens nonspecifically activate B cells. This nonspecific activation can lead to the production of autoantibodies, which target self-antigens, contributing to autoimmunity. Finally, evaluate whether all options (a, b, c, d) are correct, as suggested by option (e).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own tissues, leading to various autoimmune diseases. This can happen when the immune system fails to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, resulting in an inappropriate immune response against the body's own cells.

Molecular Mimicry

Molecular mimicry refers to the phenomenon where foreign antigens share structural similarities with self antigens, causing the immune system to attack both the pathogen and the body's own tissues. This can lead to autoimmune responses, as the immune system cannot differentiate between the two due to their resemblance.

MHC Class II Molecules

MHC Class II molecules are proteins found on the surface of certain immune cells that present antigens to CD4+ T cells. Inappropriate display of these molecules can lead to the activation of T cells against self antigens, contributing to the development of autoimmunity by promoting an immune response against the body's own cells.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following is/are examples of autoimmune disease?

a. Type 1 diabetes

b. Multiple sclerosis

c. Graves’ disease

d. Rheumatoid arthritis

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Textbook Question

Skin tests are used to determine if a person

(a) Has an active infection

(b) Has been exposed to a particular antigen

(d) Has measles

(e) Can produce antibodies

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Textbook Question

While walking along the street, you and your friend see an elderly woman whose left arm appears to be swollen to several times its normal size. Your friend wonders aloud what might be its cause. You say that it may be likely that the woman had a radical mastectomy (the removal of a breast because of cancer). Explain the rationale behind your answer.

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Textbook Question

Willy is allergic to ragweed pollen and tells you that he read about a medication that can help his condition by blocking certain antibodies. Do you think that this treatment could help Willy? Explain.

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Textbook Question

What are the three classes of lymphocytes, and where does each class originate?

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Textbook Question

A decrease in which population of lymphocytes would impair all aspects of an immune response?

(a) Cytotoxic T cells

(b) Helper T cells

(d) B cells

(e) Plasma cells

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