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Multiple Choice

What causes an autoimmune disorder?

Autoimmune disorders happen when the immune system loses tolerance to self and starts attacking the body's own tissues. The main drivers of that attack are autoantibodies—antibodies directed against self-proteins or cells. These autoantibodies bind to self-antigens, form immune complexes, activate complement, and recruit inflammatory cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. While genetic predisposition and environmental triggers can raise the risk and help initiate autoimmunity, the presence and action of autoantibodies are the direct mediators of the tissue injury seen in these diseases. That’s why autoantibodies are considered the best answer here.

Autoimmune disorders happen when the immune system loses tolerance to self and starts attacking the body's own tissues. The main drivers of that attack are autoantibodies—antibodies directed against self-proteins or cells. These autoantibodies bind to self-antigens, form immune complexes, activate complement, and recruit inflammatory cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. While genetic predisposition and environmental triggers can raise the risk and help initiate autoimmunity, the presence and action of autoantibodies are the direct mediators of the tissue injury seen in these diseases. That’s why autoantibodies are considered the best answer here.