Week 11 Lectorial Questions

Sarah is a 35 year old dentist who has been experiencing muscle spasms, vertigo, and some mild visual disturbances. Her GP recommends Sarah consult with a neurologist who orders a

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan (see below). To her shock, Sarah is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

Q1. Explain why autoimmune diseases like MS develop. (50 words or fewer) (1 mark)

Q2. Describe which aspects of the adaptive immune response are involved in autoimmune diseases like MS. (50 words or fewer) (1 mark)

Q3. Sarah is worried for her identical twin sister; Megan. Explain why Megan is at increased risk, but not necessarily guaranteed, of developing MS (100 words or fewer) (2 marks)

Q4. Sarah is prescribed “YouBetchaMab”; an experimental drug that suppresses the immune system. YouBetchaMab works by blocking the ability of immune cells to adhere to all blood vessels. Explain why YouBetchaMab would be an appropriate drug to use in the treatment of MS. (100 words or fewer) (2 marks)

Q5. Describe some of the potential side-effects of taking YouBetchaMab. (100 words or fewer) (2 marks)

Q6. Describe other immune-targeting strategies have been shown to be effective in halting the progression of MS. (100 words or  fewer) (2 marks)