Definition: Any disease that results from the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts, resulting in an immune response against the body’s own cells and tissues. Besides lupus, autoimmune disease examples include multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Autoimmune Disease
From Jeri Jewett-Tennant, MPH, for About.com
Updated: February 12, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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