Q.21

Question

Which of the following diseases is not due to autoimmunity?

a. rheumatic fever

b. systemic lupus erythematosus

c. diabetes mellitus

d. HIV/AIDS

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer

HIV/AIDS is not due to autoimmunity. Thus, the correct answer is option d. 

1Introduction:

A kind of hypersensitivity to self-antigens, which influences about 5 percent of the population is known as autoimmunity. The majority of the kind of autoimmunity comprise the humoral immune response. 

2Explanation:

The antibodies, which inappropriately mark self-constituents as foreign are known as autoantibodies. In systemic lupus erythematosus, a diffuse antibody response to the own proteins and DNA or a person results in different systemic diseases. 

The development of autoimmunity may take place with time, and it may result due to molecular mimicry. The T-cell receptors and antibodies may combine self-antigens, which are structurally identical to pathogen antigens, which are raised by the immune receptors initially. 

For example, infection with Streptococcus pyrogenes may produce T cells or antibodies, which react with heart muscle that has a structure identical to the surface of S.pyrogenes. These antibodies can destruct the muscles of the heart with autoimmune attacks resulting in rheumatic fever. 

Type I or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus originates from a destructive inflammatory TH1 response against the insulin-generating cells of the pancreas. The individuals suffering from this autoimmunity must be administered insulin, which arises from other sources. 

 

Thus, options a, b and c are incorrect. 

 

 

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is not a result of autoimmunity. It is a viral disease resulting due to a virus HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. The disease affects the appropriate functioning of T-cells. 

 

Hence, the correct answer is option d.