Your Father Has Just Been Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Your father has just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He has pain and the sensation of "pins and needles" in some if his finger joints and also in his wrists. He knows you covered autoimmune diseases in your microbiology class, so asks you to help him understand his condition.
-Your father wonders how viruses or bacteria can potentially initiate an autoimmune disease. You tell him that

A) viruses or bacteria could contain antigens that are similar to host tissue. Antibodies made in response to these agents may cross react with autoantigens.
B) viruses and bacteria frequently over-stimulate cytotoxic T cells so that inappropriate antibodies are made against self antigens.
C) autoimmunity usually develops when hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow fail to produce functional lymphocytes, as frequently happens during an infection.
D) viruses or bacteria could contain antibodies that are similar to those of host tissue. Antigens made in response to these agents may cross react with self antibodies.
E) autoimmunity often occurs when T cells do not differentiate and are absent in circulation; many pathogens suppress T cell maturation.

Correct Answer:

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