Autoimmunity
Autoimmunity (ɔːtoʊ.ɪˈmjuːnɪti) is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, tissues, and organs. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus.
Etymology
The term "autoimmunity" comes from the Greek words "autos" (self) and "immunitas" (immunity), referring to the immune system's response to its own cells.
Overview
In a healthy immune system, the body can distinguish between its own cells and foreign cells, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmunity, the immune system fails to recognize some of the body's cells as its own and begins to attack them. This can lead to inflammation and damage to various parts of the body.
Causes
The exact cause of autoimmunity is not fully understood. It is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes may make individuals more susceptible to developing an autoimmune condition, while exposure to certain environmental triggers, such as infections or toxins, may initiate the autoimmune response.
Related Terms
- Autoimmune disease: A disease resulting from an autoimmune response.
- Immune system: The body's defense system against infections and diseases.
- Inflammation: A response by the body's immune system to injury or infection, characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.
- Genes: Units of heredity that determine the characteristics of an organism.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autoimmunity
- Wikipedia's article - Autoimmunity
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