Chapter 9: Problem 9

\(T\) cells in combination with anti-MOG antibodies induce demyelination.

Short Answer

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Answer: T cells recognize and bind to MOG proteins, initiating an immune response. They secrete cytokines that signal B cells to produce anti-MOG antibodies, which then attach to MOG proteins on the surface of myelin sheaths. The combined action of T cells and anti-MOG antibodies leads to an inflammatory response, recruiting more immune cells to the site and resulting in damage and stripping away of myelin. This disruption in nerve fiber function causes neurological symptoms associated with demyelinating diseases.

Step by step solution

Introduction: T cells and Anti-MOG antibodies

T cells, or T lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune system. They are responsible for recognizing and dealing with foreign, potentially harmful substances that enter our body, such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins. Anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that specifically target MOG, a protein found on the surface of myelin sheaths surrounding nerve fibers.

What is Demyelination?

Demyelination occurs when the protective myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers is damaged or stripped away. This process disrupts the normal functioning of nerve fibers, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of vision.

Role of T cells and Anti-MOG antibodies in Demyelination

In some cases, the body's immune system mistakenly recognizes MOG as a foreign substance and produces anti-MOG antibodies to target and attack it. When this happens, T cells also become activated and work together with anti-MOG antibodies to attack the myelin sheaths of nerve fibers, leading to demyelination.

Recognizing the foreign substance

The process starts when T cells recognize and bind to the MOG protein. This binding is facilitated by other immune cells (antigen-presenting cells) that present MOG peptides to the T cells. Once a T cell recognizes MOG as a foreign substance, it becomes activated and initiates an immune response.

Activation of other immune cells

Activated T cells secrete chemical signals called cytokines which signal for other immune cells like B cells to produce anti-MOG antibodies. These antibodies attach to the MOG proteins found on the surface of the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve fibers.

Demyelination process

The combined action of T cells and anti-MOG antibodies leads to an inflammatory response and further recruitment of immune cells to the site of the myelin sheaths, ultimately resulting in the damage and stripping away of the myelin. This process of demyelination disrupts the normal functioning of the nerve fibers, leading to neurological symptoms associated with demyelinating diseases. In summary, T cells are responsible for initiating an immune response against MOG proteins, whereas anti-MOG antibodies act as the direct attackers that target and damage the myelin. Together, they induce demyelination and contribute to the development of various neurological disorders.

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\(T\) cells in combination with anti-MOG antibodies induce demyelination.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction: T cells and Anti-MOG antibodies

What is Demyelination?

Role of T cells and Anti-MOG antibodies in Demyelination

Recognizing the foreign substance

Activation of other immune cells

Demyelination process

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