What are common autoimmune diseases and how do they affect the immune system?

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. This self-attacking immune system leads to a range of chronic illnesses that affect various organs and tissues in the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. The immune system attacks the synovium, which lines the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage. This chronic inflammatory response can also affect other organs in the body.

Lupus

Lupus is another autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks various tissues in the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and brain. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and organ damage. Symptoms can vary widely and may flare up periodically.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. This disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, causing a range of symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and coordination problems.

Overall, autoimmune diseases disrupt the immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions is crucial for effective disease management and treatment.