Question

Which of the following examples below describes an autoimmune disease?

A) Infection and death of T-helper cells by a virus, resulting in a loss of adaptive immunity.
B) Release of bacterial endotoxins that block acetylcholine release result in muscle paralysis.
C) Antibody binding to acetylcholine receptors of the motor end plate resulting in muscle weakness.
D) Uncontrolled cell division resulting in cell surface abnormalities recognized by NK cells.

Answer 1

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly produces autoantibodies against the body's own acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle weakness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options provided, myasthenia gravis is best described as an autoimmune disease, which is characterized by antibodies that attack the body's own cells. In the case of myasthenia gravis, autoantibodies target acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which impairs muscle contraction and results in muscle weakness. This occurs when B cells produce high-affinity IgG autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptors. These misguided immune responses can lead to severe complications in muscle function, reflecting the broad impact of autoimmunity on the body.

Specifically, the option (C) 'Antibody binding to acetylcholine receptors of the motor end plate resulting in muscle weakness' correctly identifies an autoimmune disease mechanism, as it involves the immune system incorrectly identifying a typical part of the body—acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells—as foreign and attacking it.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: C) Antibody binding to acetylcholine receptors of the motor end plate resulting in muscle weakness.

Simply saying, autoimmune diseases are diseases caused by the attack of your own cells by your immune cells. Autoimmune diseases are consequence of an abnormal immune response to a normal cell with unknown cause. In the example above, antibodies that are part of the humoral immune response attack receptors of the motor end which are normally functioning structures of the cell.

There are many types of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes mellitus type 1…