Summary
The immune system attacks the body's own tissues, as in type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
In depth
Mechanisms: failed tolerance, molecular mimicry, and genetic and environmental triggers. Examples: type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women. Treatments suppress immunity or block cytokines.
Autoantibodies or T cells attack self. Treatments include steroids, biologics (anti-TNF) and B cell depletion. Women are affected more often.
Example: rheumatoid arthritis involves joint inflammation by TNF and IL-6.
Around 5 to 8 percent of people are affected, and most patients are women. Organ-specific diseases include type 1 diabetes (beta cells destroyed), Graves disease (antibodies stimulate the thyroid), Hashimoto thyroiditis and myasthenia gravis (antibodies against acetylcholine receptors). Systemic diseases include lupus (antinuclear antibodies, immune complexes) and rheumatoid arthritis (joint inflammation).
Triggers include infections (rheumatic fever from Streptococcus mimicry, Epstein-Barr virus link to multiple sclerosis), hormones, vitamin D, smoking and gut microbiome. Treatments include immunosuppressants, biologics against TNF, IL-6 or B cells, and replacement of lost function (insulin). Newer approaches seek to restore tolerance.
Example: in coeliac disease, gluten peptides modified by tissue transglutaminase are presented on HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 and cause gut damage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Autoimmune Disease?
The immune system attacks the body's own tissues, as in type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Which area of biology covers Autoimmune Disease, and how advanced is it?
Autoimmune Disease is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Allergies, Immunodeficiency, Inflammation.
Can you give an example of Autoimmune Disease?
In Graves' disease, antibodies stimulate the thyroid.
What should I learn before Autoimmune Disease?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Autoimmune Disease. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Autoimmune Disease?
The closest topics to Autoimmune Disease are Allergies, Immunodeficiency, Inflammation, Immune System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Autoimmune Disease?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Autoimmune Disease. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is Autoimmune Disease different from Allergies?
Autoimmune Disease: The immune system attacks the body's own tissues, as in type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Allergies: Overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances like pollen or peanuts. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Autoimmune Disease step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Allergies and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.