Autoimuna

Autoimuna, also known as autoimmunity, refers to a set of conditions in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues. In healthy individuals, immune tolerance normally prevents self-reactivity, but in autoimmunity this tolerance is broken. The result can involve autoantibodies, autoreactive T cells, or both, leading to tissue inflammation and organ dysfunction.

Causes and risk factors include genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, infections, and epigenetic changes. The same mechanisms can underlie a wide range of disorders, from organ-specific diseases (such as type 1 diabetes affecting pancreatic islets or autoimmune thyroid disease) to systemic conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus).

Diagnosis relies on clinical signs and symptoms, aided by laboratory tests that detect autoantibodies and inflammatory markers, imaging, and sometimes tissue biopsy. Because symptoms are diverse, diagnosis often requires disease-specific criteria and exclusion of other causes.

Treatment aims to reduce immune system activity and control symptoms. Options include corticosteroids, conventional immunosuppressants (for example methotrexate, azathioprine), and targeted biologic therapies that block specific immune pathways. Management also emphasizes treating complications, monitoring for infections due to immunosuppression, and lifestyle considerations. Many autoimmune diseases are chronic, with variable courses; some experience periods of remission, while others require ongoing therapy.

Research continues to clarify triggers and develop safer, more effective therapies. Public health strategies focus on early detection, patient education, and multidisciplinary care to improve quality of life.