Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Our immune system is meant to keep us safe. But sometimes, it can start attacking our own cells. This leads to autoimmune diseases, causing many immunity disorders.

At Liv Hospital, we’ve seen how autoimmune diseases affect people’s lives. We aim to offer top-notch care and support to those dealing with these complex conditions.

There are many autoimmune diseases, each with its own signs and symptoms. In this article, we’ll look at the main types and what causes them. We’ll also talk about the latest in treatment and management.

Key Takeaways

• Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.
• There are many different types of autoimmune diseases, each with its own unique characteristics.
• Liv Hospital is committed to providing world-class care and support for patients with autoimmune diseases.
• Understanding the causes and types of autoimmune diseases is key for effective treatment and management.
• Advanced medical treatments and complete healthcare services are available for international patients.

The Immune System Gone Rogue: Understanding Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity happens when the immune system doesn’t work right. It’s meant to protect us from harm. But, in autoimmune diseases, it attacks our own cells and tissues.

Normally, the immune system knows the difference between us and invaders. It fights off the bad stuff but not our own cells. But, in autoimmune diseases, it gets confused and attacks us.

Normal Immune Function vs. Autoimmune Response

When we’re healthy, white blood cells find and fight off invaders. This is thanks to B cells and T cells, which are key in this battle.

But, in autoimmunity, the immune system sees our own cells as enemies. This leads to many different autoimmune diseases, depending on where the immune system attacks.

The Spectrum of Immunity Disorders

Immunity disorders cover a wide range. They include diseases where the immune system is too weak and those where it’s too strong and attacks itself.

• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus happen when the immune system attacks specific parts of the body.
• Immunodeficiency diseases make us more likely to get sick because our immune system is weak.

Knowing about all these disorders helps doctors find better ways to treat them. They can offer more focused and caring care by understanding the root causes.

What Is the Cause of Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are complex and involve genetics, environment, and the immune system. They affect millions globally, causing a lot of suffering. Understanding these causes is key to finding better treatments.

Genetic Predisposition and Family History

Genetics play a big role in autoimmune diseases. If your family has these diseases, you might get them too. Scientists have found certain genes that increase the risk.

Some genes affect how immune cells work. This makes it hard for the body to tell self from non-self. This is why people with certain genes might get diseases like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Environmental Triggers: Infections, Drugs, and Toxins

Environmental factors also play a big part. Infections, some drugs, and toxins can start autoimmune diseases. For example, some viruses can make the body attack its own tissues.

Also, some toxins can increase the risk of getting autoimmune diseases. Knowing what triggers these diseases is important for prevention.

The Triad Theory: Genetics, Environment, and Immune Dysfunction

The triad theory says autoimmune diseases come from genetics, environment, and immune problems. It helps us understand why these diseases happen.

By looking at how these factors work together, scientists can find new treatments. This gives hope to those suffering from these diseases.

The Cellular Mechanisms Behind Autoimmunity

Understanding autoimmunity is key to finding treatments. Autoimmune diseases come from a mix of genetics, environment, and immune system issues. B cells and T cells, important parts of our immune system, play a big role.

B Cells, T Cells, and Their Normal Functions

B cells and T cells help fight off infections. B cells make antibodies to fight off pathogens. T cells kill infected cells or help the immune system work better. They usually know the difference between self and non-self, preventing autoimmunity.

But, in autoimmune diseases, they don’t make this distinction. We’ll see how this happens and its effects.

Autoantibody Production and Self-Recognition Failure

Autoantibodies are a sign of many autoimmune diseases. When B cells make autoantibodies, they attack the body’s own tissues. For example, in type 1 diabetes, autoantibodies destroy insulin-making cells in the pancreas.

Genetics or environmental factors can cause self-recognition problems. A study on Protothema.gr found Nobel Prize winners have made big discoveries. They’ve found new ways to treat autoimmune diseases.

Cell Type	Normal Function	Dysfunction in Autoimmunity
B Cells	Produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens	Produce autoantibodies targeting self-tissues
T Cells	Directly kill infected cells or coordinate immune response	Attack self-tissues, contributing to tissue damage

Molecular Mimicry and Cross-Reactivity

Molecular mimicry happens when the immune system mistakes self-antigens for foreign. This is because they look similar to antigens from pathogens. This can cause the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues.

In rheumatic fever, for example, antibodies against bacteria also attack the heart. Understanding this is key to finding treatments that stop autoimmune attacks.

Classification of Autoimmune Disorders: Organ-Specific vs. Systemic

Autoimmune disorders fall into two main types: organ-specific and systemic. This helps us see how different diseases affect the body.

Targeted Organ Attacks in Specific Autoimmune Diseases

Organ-specific diseases mean the immune system attacks a single organ. Here are some examples:

• Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: The thyroid gland is targeted, leading to hypothyroidism.
• Celiac Disease: The immune reaction is triggered by gluten, damaging the small intestine’s lining.

These diseases cause problems in the specific organ attacked. This leads to different symptoms based on the organ.

Multi-System Involvement in Systemic Autoimmune Conditions

Systemic autoimmune diseases, by contrast, affect many systems or organs. They can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are some examples:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Primarily affects the joints but can also involve other tissues and organs.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
• Sjögren’s Syndrome: Primarily affects the exocrine glands, but can also involve other organs.

These diseases are often more complex and harder to diagnose because of their varied symptoms.

Knowing if a disease is organ-specific or systemic is key for treatment. Organ-specific diseases might need targeted treatments. But systemic diseases need a broader approach to address their widespread impact.

Endocrine System Autoimmune Diseases

The endocrine system’s balance can be upset by autoimmune attacks. This leads to diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and adrenal insufficiency. The system, made of glands that make hormones, is key for keeping the body stable. When the immune system mistakenly attacks these glands, serious health problems can occur.

Type 1 Diabetes: When the Immune System Attacks the Pancreas

Type 1 diabetes is a clear example of an autoimmune disease in the endocrine system. Here, the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas’s insulin-making cells. This causes a lack of insulin, which means people need insulin shots for life. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to avoid serious issues.

The exact reason for type 1 diabetes is not fully understood. It’s thought to be a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Scientists are working hard to understand the immune system’s role in type 1 diabetes. Their goal is to find new treatments and maybe even a cure.

Thyroid Disorders: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease

The thyroid gland is often attacked by autoimmune diseases. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes the gland’s destruction, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, and feeling cold. Treatment usually involves taking thyroid hormones.

Graves’ disease, on the other hand, causes hyperthyroidism. The immune system makes antibodies that make the thyroid gland produce too much hormone. Symptoms include losing weight, fast heart rate, and feeling hot. Treatment options include medicines, radioactive iodine, and surgery.

Adrenal and Pituitary Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases can also affect the adrenal and pituitary glands, though less often. Autoimmune adrenalitis, or Addison’s disease, happens when the immune system destroys the adrenal glands. This leads to a lack of important hormones. Symptoms include tiredness, weight loss, and skin color changes.

Autoimmune hypophysitis is a rare condition where the immune system inflames the pituitary gland. This can cause hormonal deficiencies. Diagnosing and treating these conditions need a detailed approach. This often includes hormone replacement therapy and close monitoring.

Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases happen when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. We’ll look at key conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. We’ll also cover neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.

Joint Inflammation and Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that mainly affects the joints. It causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and can damage the joints severely. The hallmark of RA is symmetric joint involvement, often starting in the hands and feet.

The immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the joints. This leads to synovitis, inflammation and thickening of the synovial tissue. If not treated, it can destroy cartilage and bones.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Complex Autoimmune Condition

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disease that can affect many parts of the body. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. SLE is characterized by the presence of various autoantibodies, which are antibodies against the body’s own tissues.

The causes of SLE include genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. We’ll explore what’s known about SLE’s causes and the challenges in diagnosing and managing it.

Neurological Autoimmunity: Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are diseases that target the nervous system. MS destroys the myelin sheath around nerve fibers, causing various neurological symptoms. MG affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.

We’ll discuss the unique symptoms of MS and MG. We’ll also look at treatments aimed at managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.

Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases in the gut are complex and need a detailed approach. They happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the gut. This leads to inflammation, damage, and various symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both cause long-term inflammation in the gut. But they affect different parts and have different levels of inflammation.

• Crohn’s Disease: Can hit any part of the gut, from mouth to anus, and affects deep layers.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Mainly hits the colon and only affects the top layer.

Symptoms of IBD are diarrhea, belly pain, weight loss, and tiredness. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and keep the disease in remission.

Celiac Disease: Gluten-Triggered Autoimmunity

Celiac disease is caused by gluten and damages the small intestine. It messes with nutrient absorption and can cause many symptoms, like gut issues, tiredness, and malnutrition.

“Celiac disease is not just about avoiding gluten; it’s about managing an autoimmune response.”

The only cure for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This diet heals the intestine and stops further damage.

Autoimmune Hepatitis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis harm the liver and bile ducts.

1. Autoimmune Hepatitis: The immune system attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and possible liver damage.
2. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: It destroys bile ducts in the liver, causing bile buildup and liver damage.

Both conditions need careful management to lessen liver inflammation, stop disease progression, and manage symptoms.

We understand the complexity of gut autoimmune diseases and the need for tailored care. By grasping these conditions, we can better help patients manage their symptoms and enhance their life quality.

Skin, Blood, and Other Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases come in over 80 types, each targeting different parts of the body. This shows how complex the immune system is. It can sometimes attack the wrong parts.

Dermatological Manifestations: Psoriasis, Vitiligo, and Pemphigus

Autoimmune diseases can really mess with the skin. Conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and pemphigus are examples. Psoriasis makes skin cells grow too fast, causing scales and red patches.

Vitiligo leads to white patches because of lost pigment cells. Pemphigus causes blisters that can be very serious.

These skin issues not only look bad but also hurt the patient’s life quality. They need treatments that include medicine and changes in lifestyle.

Hematologic Disorders: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and ITP

Blood-related autoimmune diseases like AIHA and ITP are serious. AIHA makes the immune system attack red blood cells, causing anemia. ITP lowers platelet count, leading to bleeding problems.

Both can cause fatigue, bruising, and bleeding risks. Treatment often includes drugs to calm down the immune system.

Disease	Primary Effect	Common Symptoms
Psoriasis	Rapid skin cell production	Red patches, scales
Vitiligo	Loss of skin pigment cells	White patches on the skin
Pemphigus	Blistering autoimmune disease	Blisters on the skin and mucous membranes
AIHA	Destruction of red blood cells	Anemia, fatigue, jaundice
ITP	Low platelet count	Bruising, bleeding gums, petechiae

Less Common Autoimmune Conditions Among the 80+ Types

There are many autoimmune diseases that aren’t as well-known. These include conditions like autoimmune hepatitis and myasthenia gravis. Each has its own challenges and symptoms.

It’s important to understand these rare diseases to help those affected. Research is ongoing to learn more about their causes and treatments.

Frontier Research in Autoimmune Disease Pathogenesis

Autoimmune diseases come from a mix of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. New research is helping us understand these complex conditions better. This is thanks to advanced studies in immunology and genetics.

Recent studies show how different factors can lead to autoimmune diseases. We’ll look at three main areas: the microbiome’s impact on the immune system, AIRE gene defects, and the effects of epigenetic changes and environmental exposures.

The Microbiome’s Influence on Immune Regulation

The human microbiome is key in shaping our immune system. Research shows that an imbalance in the microbiome can cause autoimmune diseases. Some bacteria can start autoimmune responses, while others protect us.

A study in Frontiers in Immunology showed how the microbiome and immune system interact. Keeping a healthy balance of gut bacteria is vital for preventing autoimmune diseases. This opens up new ways to treat these diseases, like fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics.

AIRE Gene Defects and Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndromes

The AIRE gene is important for immune tolerance. Mutations in this gene can cause autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1). This rare condition involves multiple endocrine gland failures.

Research on AIRE gene defects has given us insights into autoimmune diseases. AIRE gene mutations stop the body from getting rid of self-reactive T cells. This leads to autoimmune attacks on various organs. Understanding AIRE’s role in immune tolerance is key for diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases.

Condition	Gene Involved	Primary Effect
Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 1	AIRE	Multiple endocrine gland failures
Type 1 Diabetes	Multiple genetic factors	Pancreatic beta-cell destruction
Rheumatoid Arthritis	HLA-DRB1 and others	Joint inflammation and destruction

Epigenetic Modifications and Environmental Exposures

Epigenetic modifications are chemical changes to DNA or histone proteins. These changes can affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Recent research shows how epigenetic changes play a role in autoimmune diseases. Environmental exposures, like certain chemicals or infections, can cause these changes.

Now, we see that epigenetic changes link genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. This affects the start and progression of autoimmune diseases. More research in this area could lead to new treatments targeting epigenetic mechanisms.

Conclusion: Living with and Managing Autoimmune Diseases

Understanding autoimmune diseases is key to better management and quality of life. We’ve looked at different types, their causes, and how they work. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis each have their own challenges.

Living with these diseases means a detailed approach is needed. This includes getting the right diagnosis, treatment, and making lifestyle changes. Working closely with healthcare providers is vital. This way, people can manage their symptoms better and avoid serious problems.

Staying updated on new research and treatments is also important. Learning about managing these diseases can help patients and their families. We aim to offer top-notch healthcare and support to international patients. This helps them deal with their conditions confidently and with care.

References

MedlinePlus. Autoimmune disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm

References

MedlinePlus. Autoimmune disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm

References

MedlinePlus. Autoimmune disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm

Johns Hopkins Pathology. Disease Development – Autoimmune Disease. https://pathology.jhu.edu/autoimmune/development

References

MedlinePlus. Autoimmune disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm