Tolerance and AutoimmunityAutoimmunity – inappropriate response of the immune system against self component.

Tolerance – mechanisms that exist to protect an individual from potentially self-reactive lymphocytes.

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Establishment and Maintenance of Tolerance

Factors that promote tolerance:

High doses of antigen Persistence of antigen in host Intravenous or oral introduction Absence of adjuvants Low levels of costimulators

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Establishment and Maintenance of Tolerance

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells)

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Contributors to autoimmunity:

CD4+ T cell

MHC

TCR

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Proposed mechanisms for induction of autoimmunity

Tolerance and Autoimmunity

Molecular mimicry

Autoimmunity

Current Treatments:

Immunosuppressive drugs

Thymectomy

Plamapheresis

TNF-a blockers

Autoimmunity