Autoimmune Diseases

The Autoimmune Diseases topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of autoimmune diseases, which are defined as immune-mediated diseases involving T cells and/or immune-mediated responses against one’s own body.

There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Some are well known, such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, while others are rare and difficult to diagnose. With unusual autoimmune diseases, patients may suffer years before getting a proper diagnosis. Most of these diseases have no cure. Some require lifelong treatment to ease symptoms.

Studies indicate these diseases likely result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Sex, race, and ethnicity characteristics are linked to a likelihood of developing an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are more common when people are in contact with certain environmental exposures. More women than men have autoimmune diseases, which often start during their childbearing years.