AUTOANTIBODIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Autoantibodies are a type of antibody that are produced by an individual's immune system, which mistakenly target and attack the body's own tissues and cells instead of foreign substances like bacteria or viruses. These antibodies are unique in that they are directed against self-antigens, which are typically present in healthy individuals but are recognized as foreign by the immune system in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Autoantibodies can be found in various autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
The detection of autoantibodies in a person's blood is an essential laboratory test for diagnosing autoimmune diseases. Specific autoantibodies are often associated with particular conditions, so their presence can help confirm a diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Autoantibody production is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead to the loss of self-tolerance, where the immune system no longer distinguishes between self and non-self antigens. The exact mechanisms underlying autoantibody production and their role in autoimmune diseases are complex and are the subject of ongoing research.
Overall, autoantibodies are key players in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, and their detection and study are crucial for understanding these conditions and developing targeted therapies.
Common Misspellings for AUTOANTIBODIES
- aloantibodies
- zutoantibodies
- sutoantibodies
- wutoantibodies
- qutoantibodies
- aytoantibodies
- ahtoantibodies
- ajtoantibodies
- aitoantibodies
- a8toantibodies
- a7toantibodies
- auroantibodies
- aufoantibodies
- augoantibodies
- auyoantibodies
- au6oantibodies
- au5oantibodies
- autiantibodies
- autkantibodies
- autlantibodies
- autpantibodies
- auttoantibodies
- Automantibodies
Etymology of AUTOANTIBODIES
The word "autoantibodies" is derived from two parts: "auto-" and "antibodies".
- "Auto-" is a prefix taken from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self". In the context of medical terminology, it refers to one's own body or self.
- "Antibodies" are proteins produced by the immune system that help protect the body against foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful agents.
The term "autoantibodies" was first used in the 1950s to describe antibodies that target and attack the body's own tissues or organs instead of foreign substances. It signifies the immune system's production of antibodies that mistakenly recognize and attack normal proteins, cells, or organs within one's own body.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
