Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which our immune system forms antibodies against our own body's cell structure, resulting in tissue and organ damage.

Autoimmune diseases include rheumatic diseases, which most commonly affect the connective tissue system, such as bones, cartilage, ligaments and muscles – i.e. the body’s support structure. However, the thyroid, pancreas, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and skin can also be affected.