Self & Non-self

Recognizing Self MHC – Major Histocompatability Complex Antigens your own cells produce and have attached to their surfaces Class I MHCs – found on all body cells Class II MHCs – found on macrophages and B cells

Common Transplants Organs Heart Lungs Liver Kidneys Pancreas Tissues Cornea Blood Blood Vessels Bone Marrow Cartilage and Ligaments Skin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2bgsfRnpQU

Transplants Don’t just have to match blood types, but also MHCs Tissue rejection – the recipient’s immune system attacks the donated tissue Immunosuppressant Drugs – decrease MHC response

Autoimmune Diseases Results from either a lack of suppressor T cells or an inability to recognize self https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_QKeq70sbI

Common Autoimmune Diseases Type I Diabetes – immune system attacks beta cells of the pancreas Rheumatoid arthritis – immune system attacks the cartilage of the joints

Multiple Sclerosis – immune system attacks myelin around neurons Cannot conduct nerve impulses Starts with numbness, tingling, progresses to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis Can also cause vision problems, emotional and cognitive difficulties, dizziness, and pain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNLy2FIRt4I