Abstract:
The immune system of an individual upon activation by
antigens produces response to pathogenic microorganisms
their products and to body self-antigens. The latter being
known as “Autoimmune Response.” Lymphocytes as T
cells and B cells as well as macrophages take part in this
response. The T- cells are responsible for releasing
lymphokines, B - cells for producing antibodies or
immunoglobulins while macrophages bring about the
processing of antigens to immunogenic units of the body.
Thus autoimmune diseases are characterized by response
of immune system to one`s own tissues and organs and is
hence abnormal. At present about eighty different types of
autoimmune diseases are described1. They include rheumatoid
arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type-1 diabetes,
celiac disease, Graves' disease, Sjogren syndrome,
inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis
etc