Which of the following conditions may lead to the development of autoimmunity?

a. Self antigens not previously encountered by T cells are released into the circulation.

b. Foreign antigens mimic self antigens.

c. Cells may inappropriately display class II MHC molecules.

d. Certain pathogens nonspecifically activate B cells.

e. All of the above are correct.

Video transcript

Hi, everyone. Let's take a look at this practice problem together which of the following statements describes autoimmunity. The answer options are a pathogens are immediately removed in the absence of B cells. B, antibodies have lost their protective capability. C, the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own cells and D the immune system does not respond to any antigens. So let's break down the word autoimmunity. The prefix auto means se same self or occurring within. And recall that immunity is when the body protects itself from infection. So if we combine those two together, we would get a definition of body protects itself from infection occurring within or body protects itself from infection from self. So what answer option fits that description. Option, a pathogens removed in absence of B cells. Option B antibodies losing protective capability and option D immune system not responding to antigens are all incorrect. The correct answer is option C, autoimmunity is when the body's immune system targets its own healthy cells and tissues and this results in auto antibody production. So the correct answer is option C, the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own cells. All right, everyone I hope you found this helpful and I'll see you soon for the next practice problem.