AP+immune+response+SAC

· MHC Markers (self-antigens) - their role in the specific immune response · General overview of autoimmune diseases - what are they? · Types of treatment (medicine)
 * ==__Presentation__== ||
 * Overview of importance of ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ in regards to immune response**
 * MHC markers are responsible for tissue/organ regection. It is in recognizing the presence/absence of MHC markers that WBCs will/will not initiate an immune response to the presence of a particular cell or substance. (Class ! and Class II MHC Markers - also called self-antigens or autoantigens)
 * Discuss 'Normal immune response' - T-cells, B-cells, antigens, pathogens, antibodies, cytokines,
 * Followed by introduction into Autoimmunity – what happens when there is a problem in distinguishing between self and non-self.**
 * diseases which are characterised by the persistent presence of immune cells (T lymphocytes and B lymphoctes) against self-components (self-antigens) in the cells of different tissues.
 * T cells attack tissues directly
 * B cells act indirectly by secreting antibodies
 * specific organs - easier to treat
 * generalised autoimmune diseases - more difficult to treat

· What happens in MS > · Treatments (or lack thereof)
 * Multiple sclerosis**
 * It is believed that MS is triggered in susceptible individuals via viral or bacterial infection that has an antigen, which mimics the MS "self antigen" on myelin. A macrophage then engulfs the pathogen. The "self-mimicking" antigen fragment derived from the pathogen is then displayed on the macrophage surface.
 * T-cells then release cytokins (interleukins), which activate B-cells (produce anitobodies against myelin self antigens) and macrophages (to directly phagocytose the myelin).
 * In the CNS, T-cells release cytokines which triggers inflammation
 * Corticosteroids (steroids) - reduce inflammation in the central nervous system and may help suppress the immune system's attack on myelin and even improve electrical conduction. (do not improve the long-term course of the disease and can lose effectiveness if overused)
 * Interferons - specifically block immune factors known as class II MHC molecules, which are associated with the attack on myelin and the breach in the blood-brain barrier that allows the destructive T cells to pass through. suppress important inflammatory factors in the immune system.
 * Immunosuppresants - block certain factors in the immune system that contribute to the inflammatory process.

· Powerpoint slides – dot point summaries, including PICTURES
 * Visual aids:**

Sites used: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro98/202s98-paper1/Boyce.html http://adam.about.com/reports/000017_1.htm

MS VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8l93D1M17U