Final answer:
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the body's own cells, mistaking them for foreign pathogens. This can result in a variety of diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, depending on which cells are attacked. Treatment usually focuses on symptom management with immunosuppressive drugs.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease is defined as an abnormal functioning of the immune system where there is an attack on the molecular components of the body's own organs. This occurs when the immune system cannot distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' molecules. It mistakenly treats the body's cells as if they were foreign pathogens. Common autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Factors such as exposure to pathogens with antigens similar to those of the body's cells can trigger autoimmune responses. Unfortunately, when an autoimmune disease is present, the regulatory T cells that help manage the immune response fail to operate correctly, resulting in various organ and tissue damages depending on which type of cells are targeted by the immune response.
Autoimmunity represents a breakdown in the immune system's ability to discriminate 'self' from 'non-self'. The loss of immune tolerance can lead to type II, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions. These diseases are challenging to diagnose due to their mixed symptoms that can come and go. Treatment typically involves reducing symptoms through immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications like steroids.