Understanding Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues, perceiving them as damaged and in need of removal. This confusion can lead to various conditions, such as skin rashes, asthma, or neurological issues like multiple sclerosis. The concept of molecular mimicry plays a crucial role, where the immune system misidentifies similar sequences in pathogens and the body’s own cells, resulting in unintended damage.