Immuunuvälitteinen

Immuunuvälitteinen is an Estonian term that translates to "immune-mediated" in English. It describes a condition or process where the body's own immune system is responsible for causing damage or disease. In a healthy state, the immune system protects the body from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in immune-mediated conditions, this system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells, tissues, or organs.

These conditions can manifest in various ways. Autoimmune diseases are a prime example, where the immune system produces antibodies that target self-antigens, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus. Another category includes hypersensitivity reactions, such as allergies, where the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen or certain foods. Graft-versus-host disease, which can occur after organ or bone marrow transplantation, is also immune-mediated, where the transplanted immune cells attack the recipient's body.

Diagnosing immune-mediated conditions often involves a combination of clinical examination, blood tests to detect specific antibodies or inflammatory markers, and sometimes tissue biopsies. Treatment strategies typically aim to suppress or modulate the immune system's activity to reduce the damage. This can involve immunosuppressant medications, corticosteroids, or other immunomodulatory therapies. The specific approach depends on the underlying condition and its severity. Understanding the immune system's role is crucial for effective management and treatment of these complex disorders.