The term Autoimmunity is coined by Paul Enrlich. Autoimmunity is defined as humoral or cell mediated immune response against self antigens Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders caused by immune response to self antigens.

1. S I J O . A
B . S C . B O T A N Y & B I O T E C H N O L O G Y
M A R I V A N I O S C O L L E G E
T V M , K E R A L A
Autoimmunity
and
Related Diseases

2. Autoimmunity
 The term Autoimmunity is coined by Paul Enrlich.
 Autoimmunity is defined as humoral or cell
mediated immune response against self antigens
 Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders
caused by immune response to self antigens.
 An autoimmune disorder may results in:
i) The destruction of one or more types of body
tissue.
ii) Abnormal growth of an organ.
iii) Changes in organ functon.

3.  Genetic factors + infections and environmental
exposure immune regulation autoimmunity
 Classification
 Mainly autoimmune diseases are classified into two
 1. organ specific: which affect only a particular organ.
eg: myasthania gravis, Hashimotos thyroiditis.
 2. systemic: which affects multiple organs.
eg: Rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Hashimotos thyroiditis
 Hashimotos thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease
characterised by hypothyroidism.
 It is also called “chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis”.
 It is an organ specific autoimmune diseases in which
the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
 Thyroid gland is an endocrine gland. It secrets
triiodothyronine (T3) and its prohormone
thyroxine(T4).
 These two hormones act on the basal metabolic rate
(BMR) and protein synthesis.
 This condition is more common in women than men.

5. symptoms
1. Goitre
2. Visible enlargement of thyroid gland.
3. Hypothyroidism.
4. Aging.

6. Causes
 Thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase are the two thyroid
proteins.
 Thyroglobulin is used by the thyroid gland to produce
thyroid hormones( T3 & T4).
 Thyroid peroxidase oxidises iodide ions to form iodine
atoms for the addition of tyrosine residues on
thyroglobulin for the production of T4 & T3.
 In humans thyroperoxidase is encoded by TPO gene.
 The autoantibodies are formed against these proteins.
 The binding of these autoantibodies interfere with iodine
and leads to the decreased production of thyroid
hormone.

7. Treatment
 There is no cure for Hashimotos, but replacing
hormones with medication can regulate hormone
levels and restore hormone levels and restore your
normal metabolism.
 The pills are available in several different strength.
 The doctor prescribes exact dose depends on number
of factors including: age, weight, severity of
hypothyroidism and other health problems.

8. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease
characterised by inflammation and pain the joints.
 It is a systemic autoimmune disease.
 It is mostly affected by women.
 Symptoms
 1. chronic inflammation of the joint
 2. degradation of collagen and cartilage of the joint

9. Causes
 It is caused by autoantibodies of IgM called
rheumatoid factors.
 This antibody combines with IgG to form IgM-IgG
complexes.
 This complexes are deposited around synovium.(a
membrane present around the joint.)
 They activate complement cascade.
 It results typeIII hypersensitive reaction which
leads to chronic inflammation of the joint.
 The joint becomes immobile.

10. Treatment
 There is no risk for RA.
 Medication used in the treatment of RA includes
N6AIDS, DMARDS, TNF-alpha- inhibitors, IL-6
inhibitors, JAK inhibitors and steroids.

11.  Thank you….