A critical examination of autoimmunity and inflammation

Thesis Abstract

When our body encounters something foreign in its environment it needs to be able to mount an immune response against that substance to protect itself from potential harm. In order to do this effectively it must be able to recognize what is self in order to respond to non-self or foreign. In autoimmune disease there is a failure to recognize some part of self, with potential serious consequence Autoimmune disease disorders and its usually accompanying symptom, inflammation result in destruction of one or more types of body tissues abnormal growth of an organ, or changes in organ function. The disorder may affect only one organ or tissue type or many affect multiple organ and tissue. Organs and tissues, commonly affected include blood components such as red blood cells, blood vessels, connective tissue, endocrine glands such as the thyroid or pancreas, muscles, joints and skin.