VMC 221: Veterinary Immunology and Serology (1+1)

INTRODUCTION

• Self antigens are not immunogenic.
• Autoimmunity is a condition in which the body produces antibodies and T cell responses against elements of its own tissues (autoantigens).
• In other words, tissue compounds of the body behave as auto antigens and initiate immune response to produce autoantibodies and T cell response.
• The individuals loses the ability to distinguish between self and non-self.
• Auto immunity literally means protection to self but actually means injury to self.
• Ehrlich (1901) observed that goats produce antibodies to erythrocytes receive from other goats and postulated horror autotoxicus.
• Auto immune reaction can result
  • From a normal immune response to an abnormal or unusual antigen
  • As a result of abnormal immune response to normal antigen.