Autoimmune Diseases: Current Research

Autoimmune diseases are conditions arising from abnormal immune response of the body to a healthy body part. There can be many types of autoimmune diseases and nearly every body part can be involved. Some common examples are celiac disease, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Symptoms such as low grade fever and exhaustion are common. An autoimmune disease is quite difficult to diagnose and requires direct evidence from transfer of disease-causing T lymphocyte white blood cells or disease-causing antibodies, or circumstantial evidence from clinical clues. Its treatment depends upon the type and severity of the condition. Frequently, immunosuppressants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. A major research direction in autoimmune diseases is the mitigation of inflammation by activating anti-inflammatory genes and suppressing inflammatory genes in immune cells for therapy. Another major intervention that is widely being investigated for its effect on autoimmune diseases is stem cell transplantation. This book explores the emerging aspects of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases. It provides significant information of autoimmune diseases to help develop a good understanding of their diagnosis and management. It aims to equip students and experts with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts in these medical conditions.