What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease is characterized by the immune system mistakenly identifying the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and producing antibodies against them. This inappropriate response leads to inflammation and damage to various body systems, which can result in a range of symptoms depending on the tissues affected.

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system's failure to distinguish between self and non-self is central to their development. The production of these antibodies can target specific organs or systems, such as in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis, where the immune response can attack the joints, skin, or nervous system, respectively.

In contrast, other options discuss causes or characteristics that are not aligned with the definition of autoimmune diseases. For instance, a disease caused by a viral infection pertains to infectious diseases rather than autoimmunity. A purely genetic condition does not encompass the complex interplay of environmental factors and immune dysregulation involved in autoimmune disorders. Lastly, a temporary immune response does not capture the chronic nature of autoimmune diseases, which often persist over time and require ongoing management.