A student asks the professor what the most common pathophysiologic process is that triggers aplastic anemia (AA). What response by the professor is most accurate?
A)Autoimmune disease against hematopoiesis by activated cytotoxic T (Tc) cells
B)Malignancy of the bone marrow in which unregulated proliferation of erythrocytes crowd out other blood cells
C)Autoimmune disease against hematopoiesis by activated immunoglobulins
D)Inherited genetic disorder with recessive X-linked transmission

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most cases of AA result from an autoimmune disease directed against hematopoietic stem cells. Tc cells appear to be the main culprits in this process. AA does not include proliferation of erythrocytes. The autoimmune process seems to be mediated by alterations in CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and Th-17 T-cell responses and reduced numbers of regulatory T cells. Only a small percentage of patients have an inherited or familial form.

A Student Asks the Professor What the Most Common Pathophysiologic