What Is Autoimmunity? Give an Example of an Autoimmune Disease

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Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Autoimmunity is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly identifies its own cells, tissues, or organs as foreign and attacks them. Under normal circumstances, the immune system is able to distinguish between self and non-self, allowing it to target and eliminate invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents. However, in autoimmunity, this recognition system fails, leading to an inappropriate immune response against the body's own cells.

This misdirected immune response can cause a wide range of autoimmune diseases, each characterized by the specific type of tissue or organ that is targeted by the immune system. The exact cause of autoimmunity is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and other factors such as infections and hormonal changes.

An example of an autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system primarily attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This results in inflammation that can lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone within the joint, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually, loss of function. RA is a chronic and progressive disease that can also affect other tissues throughout the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.

What Is Autoimmunity? Give an Example of an Autoimmune Disease

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