Final answer:
Autoimmune diseases involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, with the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own cells and tissues. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Treatment often includes immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues. The factors involved in autoimmune diseases include a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Genetic factors include certain MHC genes that individuals express, which are involved in presenting self-antigens. Environmental triggers can include sunlight, infections, medications, and environmental chemicals.
Autoimmune diseases can be specific to particular tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic, affecting multiple tissues and organs, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Examples of genetic autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Overall, there are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, and treatment often involves immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids to manage the inappropriate inflammatory responses.