Question

State and describe five of the common autoimmune diseases in humans and state the antibodies that are produced against the disease.

Answer 1

Autoimmune diseases in humans are as follows -

1. Type I Diabetes: In this disease, the pancrease either produces no insulin at all or very small amount of it. Islet cell Autoantibodies are produced against autoantigens such as insulin or IA-2. Treatments include insulin therapy with regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
2. Lupus: It occurs due to a hyperactive autoimmune immune system. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are associated with Lupus.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of joints. Most common antibodies associated with RA are anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
4. Vasculitis: It is the inflammation of blood vessels caused by Anti-Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies.
5. Multiple Sclerosis: The immune system attacks the myelin of nerve fibers. Anti-Myelin Antibodies are associated with it.