MICB 202 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Myasthenia Gravis
Document Summary
At the end of their normal life span (~120 days), rbcs are removed from the circulation. Hemolysis involves premature destruction and hence a shortened rbc life span (<120 days) Anemia results when bone marrow production can no longer compensate for the shortened rbc survival. Infection with a pathogen might trigger the production of autoantibodies (antibodies against self) Sometimes, the pathogen might share cross-reactive antigen with the host (molecular mimicry) ab directed at the pathogen also bind to self (maybe with slightly lower affinity) Infection with mycoplasma pneumoniae may trigger the production of ab that binds to a red blood cell antigen (polysaccharides). Caused by antibodies that bind the acetylcholine receptor on muscle cells. Muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expressions, chewing, talking and swallowing are especially susceptible the muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements can also be affected.
