immuunivälittyneissä

Immuunivälittyneet is a Finnish term that translates to "immune-mediated" in English. It refers to conditions or reactions where the body's own immune system plays a central role in causing damage or dysfunction. These are not caused by external pathogens like bacteria or viruses directly, but rather by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues or by an overactive or misdirected immune response.

There are several categories of immune-mediated conditions. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus, fall under this umbrella. In these diseases, the immune system identifies self-antigens as foreign and launches an attack against healthy cells and tissues. Another category includes hypersensitivity reactions, commonly known as allergies. Here, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, certain foods, or medications, leading to symptoms ranging from mild skin rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Immune-mediated conditions can also manifest as inflammatory responses that are disproportionate to the initial trigger, or as dysregulation in immune cell activity. Understanding the role of the immune system is crucial for diagnosing and managing these diverse conditions.