Which autoimmune disease is caused by production of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells against DNA and chromatin proteins?
Which autoimmune disease is caused by production of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells against DNA and chromatin proteins?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by loss of tolerance to nuclear autoantigens. Autoantibodies: anti-dsDNA (highly specific for SLE, correlates with disease activity, causes glomerulonephritis via immune complex deposition); anti-Sm (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein, highly specific); anti-histone (in drug-induced lupus); anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La (associated with neonatal lupus and Sjögren's overlap); anti-phospholipid (antiphospholipid syndrome). Autoreactive CD4+ T cells provide help to autoreactive B cells and directly damage tissues. Pathogenesis involves impaired clearance of apoptotic debris (NET-osis), complement pathway activation, and interferon-signature. Other options: Sjögren's — anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La (exocrine glands); Graves' — anti-TSH receptor antibodies (thyroid); MS — autoreactive T cells against myelin (CNS).