Autoimmunity

For each of these groups of autoimmune diseases, describe the immune mechanisms that cause tissue damage.

Auto-reactive B cells are killed in the bone marrow and also in the periphery. Why is peripheral tolerance necessary? How are self-specific B cells generated after they leave the bone marrow?

The activity of B cells is controlled by T cells [how??].

How do autoreactive T cells escape the thymus? How can they undergo anergy?

Regulatory T cells are crucial for controlling T cell function (and therefore, indirectly, B cell function).

Many autoimmune diseases are genetically linked with certain MHC alleles. Hopw can MHC alleles affect the liklihood of autoimmunity?

Environmental factors such as infections are also associated with/triggers of autoimmune disease. Explain how an infection might trigger autoimmunity.

• Antigenic mimicry:
• Induction of MHC expression:
• Epitope spreading:

Factors that contribute to T cell tolerance