Pathologie auto-immune : Aspect épidémiologie, diagnostique et principe de traitements

Abstract

Autoimmunity refers to a process in which an individual's immune system attacks its own cells, tissues or organs, mistaking them for foreign elements or threats. In the case of autoimmunity, this system fails to distinguish between the body's healthy cells and pathogens, which can lead to autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are the third leading cause of death in developed countries, and are classified into two groups: organ-specific and non-organ-specific (systemic). Several factors can promote autoimmunity, there are genetic factors such as genetic predisposition (for example, specific genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen)), hormonal factors (gender or sex), environmental factors (infection by the Epstein-Barr virus, UV, exposure to toxins). New therapeutic perspectives such as immunosuppression and anti-idiotypic antibodies are used to target specific molecules of T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes, or pro-inflammatory substances produced by immune system cells.