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Introduction to the lesson
So far in this chapter, we have seen the vital role that the immune system plays. However, as all things, the immune system can also be broken. Sometimes the immune system attacks its own body, leading to "autoimmune diseases". There are many different kinds of autoimmune diseases, but they are all caused by the immune system failing to recognize the body's own cells as "self". In this lesson, we will look at some common autoimmune diseases. We will also look at the use of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and treatment. Huge advances are being made in medical research. Advances in technology allow us to do things that previous generations could only dream of. Monoclonal antibodies are one example of using modern technology to treat and cure disease in amazingly inventive ways.
Autoimmune diseases
Read the section "Autoimmune diseases - a case of mistaken identity" in your text book (p.237-238).
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- Look at Table 11.3. Explain how dysfunction in only one system of the body - the immune system - can lead to so many different diseases which affect different areas of the body and cause vastly different signs and symptoms.
- Answer Question 11.20 on p.238.
- In chapter nine you looked at some non-infectious diseases. In chapter ten you studied infectious diseases. Compare and contrast, non-infectious diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.
Monoclonal antibodies
Read the section "Monoclonal antibodies" in your text book (p.238-240).
Learning Activity 2
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- What is a monoclonal antibody?
- Why are monoclonal antibodies useful?
- What is a hybridoma? What is the advantage of a hybridoma?
- Write a paragraph detailing the importance and the use of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and treatment. Explain why they are necessary, how they are produced on a mass scale, how they assist in diagnosis and treatment, how they are used, how they are introduced into the body without the body rejecting them, and for which diseases are they used in the diagnosis and treatment.
- Answer Questions 11.21-11.22 on p.240.
Definitions and review
Definitions
- Autoimmune disease
- Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs)
- Hybridoma
Mindmap
Add this section to finish your chapter eleven mindmap.