Final answer:
Strong ligation of IgM by self antigen typically induces anergy or apoptosis as part of autoimmunity in Type II Hypersensitivity reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strong ligation of IgM by self antigen induces anergy or apoptosis. This process can occur within the context of autoimmunity, where the immune system reacts against self antigens. Since IgM is a pentamer, it provides ten Fab binding sites per molecule, making it one of the most potent molecules for inducing these effects when it binds to antigens on the surface of cells. These reactions are pivotal elements in Type II Hypersensitivity reactions, where antibodies like IgM and IgG trigger cell destruction via complement activation or through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
In autoimmunity, these responses can inadvertently target the body's own cells, leading to diseases. This response highlights the balance within the immune system between protecting the body against pathogens and preventing damage to the body's own tissues.