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A healthy immune system defends the body against disease and infection. But if the immune system malfunctions, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Called autoimmune disease, these attacks can affect any part of the body, weakening bodily function and even turning life-threatening.

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Scientists know about 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.

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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.1  Autoimmune diseases are more common when people are in contact with certain environmental exposures, as described below.

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    \n \n Ramos PS, Shedlock AM, Langefeld, CD. 2015. Genetics of autoimmune diseases: insights from population genetics. J Hum Genet. 60(11): 657\u00e2\u0080\u0093664. [Abstract Ramos PS, Shedlock AM, Langefeld, CD. 2015. Genetics of autoimmune diseases: insights from population genetics. J Hum Genet. 60(11): 657\u00e2\u0080\u0093664.] \n
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Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune/index.cfm
Source Agency: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Captured Date: 2017-02-24 19:39:00.0
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