In an autoimmune disease, what is the immune response directed toward?

In the context of an autoimmune disease, the immune response is improperly directed toward self-antigens. This means that the immune system, which is normally responsible for protecting the body against foreign pathogens and antigens, mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as threats. This misidentification leads to an attack on healthy cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation and damage.

The immune system involves various components, including T cells and antibodies, that are programmed to recognize and combat foreign invaders. However, in autoimmune conditions, there is a breakdown in self-tolerance – the mechanism that keeps the immune system from reacting against the body's own proteins. As a result, the immune response mistakenly targets these self-antigens, which can manifest in many different ways, affecting various organs and systems in the body.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing the pathology of autoimmune diseases and developing effective treatments that can help manage the inappropriate immune response.