"In immunology, autoimmunity is the system of immune responses of an organism against its own healthy cells, tissues, and other normal body constituents."
The phenomenon of the immune system attacking the body's own cells and tissues, leading to autoimmune diseases.
Immune System Basics: Understanding the immune system and its functions in the body is essential for learning about autoimmunity.
Autoimmune Diseases: An autoimmune disease is a medical condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, causing damage or malfunction.
Genetics and Autoimmunity: Genetics plays a critical role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Understanding the role of genetics in autoimmunity helps researchers identify risk factors and potential therapeutic targets.
Immunodeficiency disorders: Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions that impair the immune system's function, making the individual more susceptible to infections and other immune system disorders.
Immune Regulatory Mechanisms: The immune system has several mechanisms to control its response and prevent autoimmune reactions. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial in developing better treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a medical treatment that uses the immune system to treat diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Understanding the different types of immunotherapies is essential for selecting an appropriate treatment.
Tissue-Specific Autoimmunity: Tissue-specific autoimmunity refers to autoimmune diseases that target specific tissues or organs in the body, such as the thyroid or pancreas.
Systemic Autoimmunity: Systemic autoimmune diseases affect multiple organs and tissues in the body, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Molecular Immunology: Molecular immunology is the study of the structure and function of the molecules involved in the immune system's response.
Animal Models of Autoimmunity: Animal models of autoimmunity are used to study the mechanisms behind autoimmune diseases and develop better treatments.
Immunoglobulins: Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to antigens. Understanding these molecules is essential for developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Cytokines: Cytokines are molecules that play a vital role in regulating the immune system's response. Understanding cytokines' role in autoimmunity is essential for the development of new treatments.
Autoantibodies: Autoantibodies are antibodies that attack the body's own cells and tissues, causing autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation: Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to autoimmune diseases.
Environmental Triggers: Environmental triggers, such as infections or chemicals, can trigger autoimmune diseases in genetically susceptible individuals. Understanding these triggers is critical in developing new treatments and preventions.
Mainstream and Alternative Therapies: There are different treatment options available for autoimmune diseases, including traditional mainstream therapies and alternative therapies, such as herbal medicine or acupuncture.
Gender and Autoimmunity: Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men, and understanding the gender differences in autoimmunity is important in developing personalized treatments.
Epigenetics and Autoimmunity: Epigenetic modifications can influence gene expression, and studies have shown that epigenetic changes play a role in autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmunity and Cancer: Research has shown a link between autoimmune diseases and cancer, as some cancer treatments can trigger autoimmune reactions.
Personalized Medicine: Personalized medicine involves tailoring treatment plans to an individual's unique genetic makeup, medical history, and other personal factors. Understanding personalized medicine is essential in developing effective treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Addison's Disease: A rare autoimmune disorder where the adrenal glands can't produce enough hormones.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where hair loss occurs in patches on the scalp or body.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation and pain.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): An autoimmune disorder where blood clots form in veins or arteries, which can lead to damage to organs.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: An autoimmune disorder where the liver is inflamed, which can lead to liver damage and, in some cases, liver failure.
Celiac Disease: A digestive disorder where the immune system reacts negatively to gluten, causing damage to the digestive tract.
Graves' Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis of the muscles caused by damage to the nerves.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation.
IgA Nephropathy: An autoimmune kidney disorder where an abnormal protein called IgA builds up in the kidneys.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A group of autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, kidneys, and joints.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing damage to the nerves.
Myasthenia Gravis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves that signal muscles to contract, causing muscle weakness.
Pernicious Anemia: An autoimmune disorder where the body doesn't produce enough red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness.
Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: Autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation and weakness in the muscles.
Psoriasis: An autoimmune disorder where skin cells grow too quickly, causing thick, scaly patches to form on the skin.
Raynaud's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder where the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow, causing them to become cold and numb.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disorder where small clusters of inflammatory cells grow in various parts of the body, including the lungs, skin, and eyes.
"Any disease resulting from this type of immune response is termed an 'autoimmune disease'."
"Prominent examples include celiac disease, post-infectious IBS, diabetes mellitus type 1, Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren syndrome, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Addison's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), and multiple sclerosis (MS)."
"Autoimmune diseases are very often treated with steroids."
"Autoimmunity means the presence of antibodies or T cells that react with self-protein and is present in all individuals, even in a normal health state."
"It causes autoimmune diseases if self-reactivity can lead to tissue damage."
"Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine and is triggered by consuming gluten."
"Post-infectious IBS refers to irritable bowel syndrome that occurs following a gastrointestinal infection."
"Diabetes mellitus type 1 is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas."
"Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects blood vessels and causes inflammation and rash."
"Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal collection of inflammatory cells, forming small clusters called granulomas."
"Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues."
"Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth."
"Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an autoimmune condition that involves inflammation of blood vessels and the presence of eosinophils."
"Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease resulting in inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism."
"Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism."
"Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune condition that causes low platelet count and abnormal bleeding."
"Addison's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the adrenal glands, leading to insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone."
"Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation and joint damage."
"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing damage to the myelin sheath of nerve fibers."