NIAMS Highlights Autoimmune Disease Research

In March, for Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, NIH amplified related research and resources.

The body’s immune system is a network of cells and tissues that work together to defend against viruses, bacteria and infection. It tries to identify and destroy harmful invaders.

In autoimmune diseases, proteins known as autoantibodies target the body’s own healthy tissues by mistake, signaling the body to attack them. There are numerous types, including many that impact the joints, muscles and skin.

To learn more about NIH research on such autoimmune diseases as lupus, alopecia, psoriasis, Sjogren’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and vitiligo, see: go.nih.gov/mUIKdV2.