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The Breakdown of Immune Defense

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The immune system's malfunctions can lead to immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and hypersensitivities. Immunodeficiencies weaken the immune response, while autoimmunity causes the body to attack itself. Hypersensitivities involve exaggerated reactions to antigens, and idiopathic inflammation occurs without a clear cause, leading to potential tissue damage.

Exploring the Breakdown of Immune Defense: Immunodeficiencies, Autoimmunity, and Hypersensitivities

The immune system is an intricate defense mechanism that protects the body against invading pathogens. When it malfunctions, it can lead to immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and hypersensitivities. Immunodeficiencies are characterized by a weakened immune response due to factors such as genetic defects, environmental influences, or acquired conditions. Primary immunodeficiencies are often inherited and include disorders like Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). Acquired immunodeficiencies, like AIDS, result from external factors such as viral infections or immunosuppressive therapies. Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system erroneously targets the body's own cells, potentially due to a breakdown in central or peripheral tolerance mechanisms. Hypersensitivities, on the other hand, are exaggerated immune responses to non-threatening antigens, ranging from immediate reactions like allergies to delayed responses such as contact dermatitis.
Immunology laboratory with microscope, stained slides, test tubes, digital pipette, centrifuge and scale, hand with glove and flask.

The Paradox of Autoimmunity: Immune Assault on Self

Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system, which is designed to defend against foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. This loss of self-tolerance can be attributed to failures in the mechanisms that normally eliminate self-reactive lymphocytes during their development in the thymus and bone marrow. Genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and hormonal factors can all contribute to the onset of autoimmune conditions. Diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and systemic lupus erythematosus exemplify the diverse manifestations of autoimmunity, each targeting specific organs or systemic tissues and leading to persistent inflammation and tissue damage.

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Characteristics of Immunodeficiencies

Weakened immune response; caused by genetic defects, environmental factors, or acquired conditions like AIDS.

01

Examples of Primary Immunodeficiencies

Inherited disorders such as SCID and CGD, involving defective immune cells or mechanisms.

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Difference Between Autoimmunity and Hypersensitivities

Autoimmunity: immune system attacks own cells. Hypersensitivities: excessive reactions to harmless antigens.

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