Progressive weakening of the skeletal muscles. AutoAbs to DNA, histones, RBC, platelets, leukocytes, clotting factors. Autoreactive T cells cause inflammatory lesions along the myelin sheath of nerve fibers and lead to myelin destruction. Rheumatoid factors are IgM which react with the Fc g . Complexes are deposited in joints and lead to type III hypersensitivity.
Estrogens promote early onset and increase severity.
Factors associated with autoimmune diseases a. TH1 cells transfer EAE to nonimmunized animals. MHC antigens Association of certain HLA alleles with autoimmune diseases. Injection of pancreatic islet b cells in thymus prevents diabetes in NOD mice. Trauma or viral infection in an organ could lead to local inflammation, production of IFN g , increase in MHC class II on nonAPCs, inappropriate TH activation and autoimmunity.