Autoimmune diseases are caused when the immune system turns on itself because it fails to recognize its own cells. When the
immune system produces self-antigens the body is suddenly unable to tolerate itself. The diseases usually begin with the
dysfunction in B cells, which control antibody production. Malignant B cells may generate abnormal antibodies that turn to
attack red blood cells. When the immune system is unable to discern its friends from their foes, it assaults itself. There are a
great many ways the immune system can mistake its own cells for alien substances. Drugs, sunlight, and particular forms of
radiation can cause the protein structures of cells to change, which makes them look foreign. It is also common for substances,
normally contained in a specific area of the body, to be mistaken for invaders when released into general circulation.
Susceptibility to these diseases is based on the genetics of the individual. Certain chemicals, viruses, bacterium and certain
environmental conditions can trigger these diseases in the affected people. Diseases, such as hemolytic anemia and lupus are
caused by autoimmune responses.
