Autoimmuunse

Autoimmuunse is a term used to describe autoimmune diseases, a diverse group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues. They can affect a single organ or involve multiple organs and systems, and they often present with chronic inflammation and relapsing or progressive courses.

Causes and mechanism: autoimmune responses arise from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, hormonal factors, and failures of immune tolerance. Autoreactive B cells produce autoantibodies, while autoreactive T cells attack tissues, leading to tissue injury and organ dysfunction. The specific targets determine the disease’s clinical manifestations.

Classification and examples: organ-specific diseases include type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, pernicious anemia, and autoimmune gastritis. Systemic diseases affect multiple organs and include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment decisions often depend on which tissues are involved.

Diagnosis: diagnosis combines clinical assessment with laboratory testing for autoantibodies and inflammatory markers, imaging, and, in some cases, tissue biopsy. Common tests include ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-TPO, anti-GAD, RF, and anti-CCP, among others.

Treatment: management aims to reduce immune activity, control symptoms, and prevent organ damage. Options include corticosteroids for short-term control, conventional immunosuppressants (such as methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate), and targeted biologic therapies (for example anti-TNF agents, rituximab, or interleukin inhibitors). Supportive care and lifestyle adjustments are important components of care.

Prognosis and research: outcomes vary by disease and severity. Ongoing research seeks better understanding of tolerance breakdown, personalized therapies, and the role of the microbiome in autoimmunity.