Final answer:
Autoimmune diseases develop from a complex interaction of genetics and environmental triggers, rather than the overuse of vaccines. Molecular mimicry and varied exposure to infectious agents can influence the immune system, sometimes leading to autoimmunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of autoimmune diseases is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Contrary to the hypothesis attributing the rise of autoimmunity to the overuse of vaccines, current scientific studies support the understanding that environmental triggers like infections, sunlight, and chemicals, as well as genetic makeup, play crucial roles in autoimmune responses.
Molecular mimicry is one potential mechanism, where the immune system can confuse self-antigens with foreign ones, leading to an immune attack on the body's own tissues. Infections and hygiene, under the 'hygiene hypothesis', also show an interesting inverse relationship with the prevalence of autoimmunities, suggesting that exposure to various pathogens can regulate the immune system's development in a way that might prevent autoimmune reactions.