Autoimmune Diseases

• What is meant by an autoimmune disease?

  An immune response against self molecules
• What should students be able to describe by the end of the video?

  Autoimmune diseases and their effects
• Which specification is this topic for?

  OCR specification
• How does the immune system protect against infectious disease?

  By recognizing antigens on pathogens
• What types of lymphocytes recognize antigens?

  B and T lymphocytes
• What do antigens on pathogens represent to the immune system?

  Foreign or non-self molecules
• What are the two types of immune responses mentioned?

  Humeral and cell-mediated responses
• What happens to B and T lymphocytes that respond to self-molecules?

  They are destroyed during maturation
• What is autoimmunity?

  When the immune system attacks self molecules
• What is an example of an autoimmune disease?

  Type 1 diabetes
• What does the immune system attack in type 1 diabetes?

  Beta cells in the pancreas
• What is the role of beta cells in the pancreas?

  To produce insulin for glucose control
• What must a person with type 1 diabetes do to manage their condition?

  Test blood glucose and inject insulin
• What alternative method do some people with type 1 diabetes use?

  Insulin pump for automatic delivery
• What autoimmune disease is characterized by joint damage?

  Rheumatoid arthritis
• What does rheumatoid arthritis lead to?

  Severe pain and limited mobility
• What is another example of an autoimmune disease?

  Lupus
• Which organs can lupus affect?

  A range of organs, often skin and joints
• What symptoms can people with lupus experience?

  Joint pain, skin patches, and hair loss
• Are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus curable?

  No, they are incurable conditions
• What types of drugs can be used to treat autoimmune diseases?

  Immunosuppressants, steroids, painkillers
• What is a potential downside of using immunosuppressant drugs?

  Reduced ability to fight infections
• What role do genetics play in autoimmune diseases?

  They may run in families
• How might a person's immune system overreact?

  By attacking the body's own tissues
• What is the role of T regulator cells?

  To reduce immune system activity
• What could happen if T regulator cells are not functioning correctly?

  The immune system may attack self tissues
• What are the effects of type 1 diabetes?

  • Inability to control blood glucose levels
  • Need for regular blood glucose testing
  • Requirement for insulin injections or pumps
• What are the effects of rheumatoid arthritis?

  • Severe joint pain
  • Limited mobility
  • Potential joint damage
• What are the effects of lupus?

  • Joint pain
  • Scaly skin patches
  • Hair loss
• What are the treatment options for autoimmune diseases?

  • Immunosuppressant drugs
  • Steroids
  • Painkillers
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
• What are the potential causes of autoimmune diseases?

  • Genetic factors
  • Immune system overreaction to pathogens
  • Dysfunction of T regulator cells