What condition results from an abnormal immune response leading to tissue damage?

Autoimmunity is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own tissues, resulting in inflammation and damage. This occurs when the body fails to distinguish between self and non-self antigens. In a healthy immune response, the immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances. However, in autoimmune diseases, this regulation is disrupted, leading to an inappropriate immune response against normal cells.

Various autoimmune conditions can affect different organs and systems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. The resulting tissue damage can manifest as pain, dysfunction, and other symptoms depending on the affected area. This process exemplifies how immune dysregulation can lead to significant pathology, emphasizing the importance of a balanced immune response for maintaining health.