Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a group of diseases in which an individual's immune system attacks his or her own body tissue. They occur more commonly in women than in men.
As part of the body's normal disease-fighting function, white blood cells typically produce substances called antibodies in response to infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Specific types of antibodies, in turn, target proteins within the bacteria or viruses for destruction by other immune-system components.
In autoimmune diseases, the antibodies mistakenly target normal, healthy molecules of the body for destruction. The destruction may affect a specific organ in the body or may be more widespread.
In some cases, the specific tissue or protein targeted for destruction is known or strongly suspected. For example, in multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the coating that surrounds and protects nerve fibers — known as the myelin sheath — causing a wide range of neurological symptoms.
Learn more about the Hutchinson Center's work on autoimmune diseases through the links below.
- Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system attacks the body, resulting in inflammation of various organs or tissues.
- Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that impairs the nervous system.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It is different from the more-common osteoarthritis, which typically affects people as they age.
- Scleroderma
Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease whose hallmark feature is fibrosis, which means hardening of the skin. Scleroderma can range from a localized disease that primarily affects the skin to a more serious illness known as systemic sclerosis, causing damage to multiple parts of the body.
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