Autoimmunity is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, tissues, and organs. It involves an inappropriate response by adaptive immunity, particularly B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes.
congrats on reading the definition of autoimmunity. now let's actually learn it.
Autoimmune diseases can result from the failure of self-tolerance mechanisms in B lymphocytes.
Molecular mimicry, where foreign antigens resemble self-antigens, can trigger autoimmunity.
Autoantibodies produced by B cells are hallmark indicators of many autoimmune diseases.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in preventing autoimmunity by maintaining immune tolerance.
Examples of autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Review Questions
What role do B lymphocytes play in autoimmunity?
How does molecular mimicry contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases?
Why are regulatory T cells important in preventing autoimmunity?
Related terms
B lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell involved in producing antibodies as part of the humoral immune response.
Self-tolerance: The ability of the immune system to recognize self-produced antigens as non-threatening.
Regulatory T cell (Treg): A subset of T cells that modulate the immune system and prevent autoimmune disease by maintaining tolerance to self-antigens.