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The word "auto" is the
Greek word for self. The immune system is a complicated network of
cells and cell components (called molecules) that
normally work to defend the body and eliminate infections caused
by bacteria, viruses, and other invading microbes. If a person has
an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks self,
targeting the cells, tissues, and organs of a person's own body. A
collection of immune system cells and molecules at a target site
is broadly referred to as inflammation. |
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