Immuunivälitteisestä

Immuunivälitteisestä is a Finnish term that translates to "immune-mediated" in English. It describes a process or condition where the body's own immune system plays a central role in causing harm or dysfunction. This is distinct from infections caused by external pathogens like bacteria or viruses, where the immune system's primary role is to defend against the invaders.

In immune-mediated conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues, cells, or organs. This can lead to a wide range of diseases, often referred to as autoimmune diseases. Examples include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. The exact triggers for these immune responses are not always fully understood but can involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

The manifestations of immune-mediated processes vary greatly depending on which part of the body is targeted. Symptoms can range from inflammation, pain, and fatigue to organ-specific damage affecting organs like the joints, skin, kidneys, or nervous system. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to detect specific antibodies or inflammatory markers, and sometimes imaging or biopsies. Treatment strategies aim to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and manage symptoms, often involving immunosuppressive medications or other immunomodulatory therapies.