Some autoimmune responses are protective

Autoimmunity is traditionally viewed as the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues.

But emerging research suggests that some autoimmune responses may serve protective roles in specific circumstances.

examples of autoimmune protectivity

• Protective autoimmunity proposes that the immune system's response to self-antigens can contribute to tissue maintenance, protection, repair and renewal. This challenges the conventional view of autoimmunity as solely detrimental

• Studies show that the same autoimmune T cells can both cause disease and provide neuroprotection. The timing and strength of their activity determine whether they promote tissue damage or facilitate repair

• Beyond their role in defence against pathogens, immune cells have been shown to produce neurotrophic growth factors in the brain, and interact with neurons and glial cells to preserve them from injury and stimulate growth and repair. This interaction suggests that the immune system actively participates in tissue maintenance and recovery processes

• The balance between protective and pathogenic autoimmunity is critical. Regulatory T cells play a significant role in modulating immune responses, preventing excessive autoimmunity that could lead to tissue damage. However, under certain conditions, such as after central nervous system injury, suppressing regulatory T cell activity can enhance the immune response, promoting tissue repair without triggering widespread autoimmunity

Conclusion?

While autoimmunity is often associated with tissue damage, there is growing evidence that under specific conditions, immune responses against self-antigens can be protective, aiding in tissue maintenance and repair.

What does this mean? Our body is always trying its best, but are we listening, and do we trust that? We need to look deeper at what's going on