Autoimmunity

As an autoimmune response or autoimmunity is called an abnormal reaction of the immune system against the body's own tissues.

The immune system is designed so that it can be active against virtually any combination of proteins. Since humans but is itself also consists of proteins, the immune system can also attack the body 's own principle. To prevent this, the immune cells in the lymphatic system ( thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils ) are " trained" to cells with different function and shape. Immune cells that are directed against one's own body are sorted out there. This ability of the immune system is called immune tolerance.

Over a lifetime, in some people the immune tolerance is lost, or it is weakened. Then, the immune system develops antibodies against the body's own tissues, such as muscles, nerves or the thyroid. These antibodies are called autoantibodies.

Examples

Disorders which are caused by autoantibodies, referred to as autoimmune diseases. There are many diseases in which an autoimmune reaction is suspected as the cause, so actually allergies. Examples:

  • Lupus erythematosus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • CIDP
  • Graves' disease ( special form of hyperthyroidism )
  • Chronic thyroiditis ( thyroid inflammation)
  • Myasthenia gravis ( muscle disease )
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes mellitus type 1
  • Celiac Disease
  • Immunology
Allergy
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