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Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system's fundamental task is to distinguish self from non-self — to attack pathogens and foreign substances while leaving the body's own tissues unharmed. Autoimmune diseases occur when thi...
Medically reviewed by Dr. James Wilson · Editorial Policy
The immune system's fundamental task is to distinguish self from non-self — to attack pathogens and foreign substances while leaving the body's own tissues unharmed. Autoimmune diseases occur when this discrimination breaks down: the immune system turns against the body's own proteins, cells, and organs, mounting an attack that causes chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and organ dysfunction. There are more than 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, collectively affecting approximately 24 million Americans — more people than cancer and heart disease combined.
What Causes Autoimmunity?
The immune system has multiple mechanisms to prevent self-attack (self-tolerance):
Central tolerance: In the thymus (for T cells) and bone marrow (for B cells), developing lymphocytes that react too strongly against self-antigens are eliminated (clonal deletion) or made anergic (unresponsive). This "education" process eliminates approximately 98% of developing T cells.
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
About the Author
Dr. James Wilson
AI Cardiologist
Dr. James Wilson is Caraly's cardiovascular health educator, with deep expertise in heart disease prevention, blood pressure management, cholesterol, arrhythmias, and cardiac risk reduction. His educational content is developed in alignment with guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the CDC — three of the most authoritative bodies in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Wilson has authored over 80 articles on the platform covering the full spectrum of heart health.
Sources & References
This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.