red blood cells and autoimmune response

Autoimmune Disease

The immune system is a network of cells and tissues throughout the body that normally fights bacteria or viruses, keeping the body healthy. There are two types of immune responses that can happen in the body when a virus or bacteria invades:

  • Acquired, where the body produces proteins called antibodies that attach to invaders so they can be neutralized.
  • Innate, where the body activates white blood cells to destroy invaders.

Autoimmune diseases are a result of the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells within the body. Skin, joints, lungs, the brain, and kidneys, and many other parts of the body can be affected, exhibiting symptoms like inflammation, pain, and redness.

More than 80 disorders fall under the term autoimmune disease. You may already know someone with type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or multiple sclerosis, and see firsthand the effects of the disease. While most are not life-threatening, autoimmune disorders can have a significant impact on daily life and overall health. They are chronic diseases that may flare up or go into remission throughout the patient’s entire life. Some autoimmune diseases have overlapping symptoms like inflammation or fatigue, making diagnosis difficult. Treatment options are available for many disorders, but further research is essential to understanding the underlying causes of the body’s autoimmune response.

The National Institute for Health estimates up to 23.5 million Americans have autoimmune diseases, and the prevalence appears to be rising. Autoimmune diseases affect people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Women are more likely to have autoimmune diseases, and they are listed in the 10 leading causes of death for females aged 0 – 64. Autoimmune diseases may be inherited, and several genes have been identified as markers, but there is evidence that some diseases may be triggered by environmental factors.

Finding a cure for autoimmune disease would improve the quality of life for millions of people. It could also reduce the prevalence of related conditions like depression or anxiety, which can affect people with autoimmune disorders. A major breakthrough would also reduce the annual cost of healthcare by billions of dollars. The Alles Institute for Medical Research is providing sustained research funding for autoimmune disease research with the goal of improving discovery and healthcare.