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Autoimmune Disorders: A Rebellion Within One’s Body

Writer's picture: biologicalfervorbiologicalfervor
Jan 11, 20244 min read

Written by: Muhammad Hassaan


Introduction

Our body battles against foreign invaders through some very specific mechanisms but keeping it short, it goes like this; a foreign particle enters our body, and the cells of our immune system recognize it and deploy mechanisms to get rid of it. These foreign particles could be microorganisms, viruses, or even dust particles among many other things. In autoimmune disorders, our body recognizes its own cells as harmful or foreign and tries to eliminate them which disrupts our body’s normal functioning. It can even lead to death in some cases. One could say an autoimmune disorder is a rebellion within one’s own body.

Figure 1. Overview of Autoimmunity


Discovery

The idea that the immune system can turn to autoimmunity dates back to the late 19th century and early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that antinuclear antibodies were discovered. Subsequent research uncovered various autoantibodies associated with specific autoimmune diseases. Till now, around 100 autoimmune diseases have been discovered. The causative agents of some of them are still unknown but discoveries are continuously being made. 


Working of the Immune System

Our body has three lines of defense mechanisms in case of a microbial invasion:

  1. The first line of defense includes the physical barriers, the skin, and the mucous membranes of our digestive and respiratory tracts.

  2. The second line of defense includes the innate immune response comprising macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. This response is not confined to any particular microbe, rather it works to eliminate the threat regardless of its nature whether it is a bacterium, virus, allergen, or any toxin.

  3. The third line of defense- includes the adaptive immune response that directs its attack against a particular microorganism. It comprises of B and T lymphocytes.

Figure 2.  Levels of Defense Against Infection


To explain how autoimmunity persists, first, we need to take a look at how the third defense line works against a pathogen.


T and B Lymphocytes

Whenever a microorganism gets past the physical barrier, our immune system works to eliminate that threat. The macrophages of our body start engulfing the microorganisms by phagocytosis. When a macrophage engulfs the bacteria or the invader, it displays some parts of the invaded microorganism with the help of a protein called major histocompatibility factor (MHC) and is called antigen-presenting cell (APC). 

APCs attract helper T cells and they bind to APCs and produce interleukin-2, a protein that activates adaptive immune response, producing further T and B cells. They produce four types of T cells:

  • Cytotoxic T Cells: cause the disintegration of pathogen’s DNA with the help of cytotoxin

  • Helper T Cells: stimulate the further production of T and B cells

  • Suppressor T Cells: inhibit the proliferation of T cells when the invader has successfully been dealt with

  • Memory T cells: if the body is exposed to the same infection, these cells convert themselves to helper T cells and initiate the adaptive response

Figure 3. Activation of cell-mediated and humoral immune response


As for B cells, they activate the humoral or antibody-mediated immune response. They divide to produce two types of cells:

  • Plasma Clone Cells: secrete antibodies

  • Memory Cells: stay in the bloodstream in case the body gets infected by the same pathogen again

Plasma clone cells are the cells that produce antibodies or immunoglobulins. These antibodies do not kill the microbe directly rather they do this indirectly by activating complement systems. The structure of an antibody molecule is given below:

Figure 4. Structure of an antibody molecule


Now, in an autoimmune disease, our body produces antibodies that attack its own cells.  These antibodies are also called “autoantibodies”. They fail to recognize body cells as normal and start stimulating complement systems against their own body cells which leads to complications.


Causes

Autoimmunity can also be considered as a disorder of our immune system. The  exact reasons triggering autoimmune response can be difficult and complex to explain however some of the common causes are:

  • Gene mutation 

  • Environmental influences

  • Family history

  • Physical or emotional stress

  • Viral triggers

  • Hormonal factors


Certain risk factors raise your chances of getting an autoimmune disorder. Some common ones include:

  • Smoking

  • Exposure to toxins, such as air pollution or hazardous chemicals

  • Female gender (78% of people with an autoimmune disease are women)

  • Obesity


Examples of Autoimmune Disorders

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): Our immune system attacks the nerves in the muscles of our legs and sometimes in our arms and upper limbs.

  • Type-1 Diabetes: Our antibodies attack and destroy the β-cells in our pancreas that produce insulin.

  • Graves’ Disease: Our immune system produces antibodies that cause our thyroid gland to produce more than necessary thyroid hormones.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Our immune system produces antibodies that cause inflammation in our joints leading to pain and swelling.



Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases

While symptoms may vary from disease to disease, some of the common symptoms are:

  • Fatigue

  • Fevers

  • Skin rashes or redness

  • Swollen glands

  • GIT problems


Treatment

Unfortunately, there are no cures for autoimmune disorders but there is a range of treatments

  • Pain Relief: Take medicines like corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.

  • Immune System Control: Special medications, such as methotrexate or biologics, calm down the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy parts.

  • Symptom Help: Use pain relievers and creams to feel more comfortable. Get special treatments if your body isn't making enough of something it needs.

  • Healthy Habits: Do exercises to feel better and improve joints. Eat specific foods if needed, like avoiding gluten for certain conditions.

  • Therapy Support: Therapists can guide exercises to make joints work better in case of Rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to someone if you're feeling stressed or join groups for support.


Conclusion

In conclusion, autoimmune disorders are just your body cells fighting amongst themselves. Their exact causes are unknown but with new advancements being made, researchers are working hard to predict their onset. In upcoming years, new techniques may be developed that could help in early diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment are posed with challenges due to the diversity of symptoms and the absence of complete cures. As our knowledge advances, there is optimism for improved diagnostic methods and treatments that can enhance the well-being of those affected by autoimmune diseases.









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