 What is Lupus?
"Lupus
is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various
parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and
kidneys. The body's immune system normally makes proteins
called antibodies to protect the body against viruses,
bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials
are called antigens.
In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system
loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign
substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The
immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self."
These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies," react with the
"self" antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes
build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to
tissues, and pain."
|
