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# Autoimmune Response

au·to·im·mune re·sponse - AW-toh-ih-MYOON rih-SPONZ

## Definition

An autoimmune response occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies the body's own healthy cells and tissues as foreign threats and launches an attack against them. Normally, the immune system [has](/glossary/hyaluronic-acid) sophisticated mechanisms for distinguishing between "self" (the body's own cells) and "non-self" (foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses). In autoimmunity, these self-tolerance mechanisms break down, and [immune cells](/glossary/white-blood-cells) attack healthy tissue as if it were an infection.

The autoimmune response can target virtually any tissue in the body. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. In multiple sclerosis, it attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers. In rheumatoid arthritis, it attacks the lining of the joints. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it attacks the thyroid gland. Each autoimmune disease is defined by which tissue the immune system targets, but the underlying mechanism - a misdirected [immune response](/glossary/immune-response) - is shared.

What triggers autoimmune responses is not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. Infections, hormonal changes (particularly estrogen fluctuations), chronic stress, certain medications, and environmental toxins may trigger autoimmunity in people who are genetically predisposed. The fact that autoimmune diseases are 2-3 times more common in women than men suggests that sex [hormones](/glossary/hormone) play a significant role.

## Also Known As

Autoimmunity Self-directed immune response 

## Key Facts

-   • More than 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified, collectively affecting an estimated 24 million Americans. 
-   • Autoimmune diseases are among the top 10 leading causes of death in women under 65. 
-   • Having one autoimmune disease significantly increases the risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions. 
-   • Autoimmune diseases are more common in industrialized nations - the "hygiene hypothesis" suggests reduced microbial exposure may be a contributing factor. 
-   • Modern biologic medications can target specific immune pathways, providing more precise treatment with fewer side effects than older immunosuppressants. 
-   • Autoimmune diseases tend to run in families, though family members may develop different autoimmune conditions. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

Understanding autoimmune responses is essential if you or a family member has been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. Knowing that your immune system is attacking your own tissue - rather than being weak or defective - helps frame the rationale for treatments that modulate or suppress specific immune pathways. It also explains why stress management, [anti-inflammatory](/glossary/anti-inflammatory) nutrition, and avoiding known triggers are important parts of autoimmune disease management.

Research into autoimmunity is advancing rapidly. Emerging approaches including tolerance-inducing therapies, regulatory T-cell treatments, and [microbiome](/glossary/microbiome)\-based interventions aim to restore immune tolerance rather than simply suppress the immune system - potentially offering more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

## Related Terms

[Cytokines](/glossary/cytokines)[T-Cells](/glossary/t-cells)[Antigen](/glossary/antigen)[Inflammation](/glossary/inflammation)

## Related Conditions

[

### Crohn's Disease

Digestive 

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract, most commonly the end of the small intestine. It can penetrate deep into bowel tissue and lead to serious complications including strictures and fistulas.

Persistent diarrhea Abdominal pain and cramping Blood in stool 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/crohns-disease)[

### Multiple Sclerosis

Neurological 

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and body. Symptoms vary widely depending on which nerves are affected and can range from mild numbness to severe disability.

Numbness or tingling in limbs Vision problems Muscle weakness or spasms 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/multiple-sclerosis)[

### Rheumatoid Arthritis

Musculoskeletal 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling, joint erosion, and deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA can also affect other organs including the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart.

Swollen, tender joints Joint stiffness worse in mornings Fatigue and fever 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis)[

### Lupus

Immune System 

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue throughout the body, causing widespread inflammation and damage. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs, with symptoms that flare and remit unpredictably.

Butterfly-shaped facial rash Joint pain and swelling Extreme fatigue 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/lupus)

## Sources

1.  [Autoimmune Diseases](https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-diseases) - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH)
2.  [Autoimmune diseases](https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/autoimmune-diseases) - Office on Women's Health (HHS)
3.  [Autoimmune Disease: Why Is My Immune System Attacking Itself?](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/autoimmune-disease-why-is-my-immune-system-attacking-itself) - Johns Hopkins Medicine

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