Diseases of the immune system, Diagnosis and treatment of immune system diseases.

If immune system-related diseases are defined very broadly, then allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema are very common. However, these actually represent a hyper-response to external allergens. Asthma and allergies also involve the immune system. A normally harmless material, such as grass pollen, food particles, mold or pet dander, is mistaken for a severe threat and attacked.

Other dysregulation of the immune system includes autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. "Finally, some less common disease related to deficient immune system conditions are antibody deficiencies and cell mediated conditions that may show up congenitally".

Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is not as strong as normal, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections.  In humans, immunodeficiency can either be the result of a genetic disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency, acquired conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or through the use of immunosuppressive medication.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, autoimmunity results from a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign bodies. Common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1 and systemic lupus erythematosus. Another disease considered to be an autoimmune disorder is myasthenia gravis.

Even though symptoms of immune diseases vary, fever and fatigue are common signs that the immune system is not functioning properly. Most of the time, immune deficiencies are diagnosed with blood tests that either measure the level of immune elements or their functional activity.

Allergic conditions may be evaluated using either blood tests or allergy skin testing to identify what allergens trigger symptoms. In overactive or autoimmune conditions, medications that reduce the immune response, such as corticosteroids or other immune suppressive agents, can be very helpful.

"In some immune deficiency conditions, the treatment may be replacement of missing or deficiency elements. This may be infusions of antibodies to fight infections." Treatment may also include monoclonal antibodies. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein made in a lab that can bind to substances in the body. They can be used to regulate parts of the immune response that are causing inflammation.

Immunogenetics: Open access journal focuses on the genetic research areas of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, systemic lupus erythematous, etc. Articles on genetics of cell interaction with immune system, immune response to transplantation, immune based therapies for treatment of cancers, antigenic phylogeny of alleles, alloantigens are also welcome.

Submit manuscripts on Editorial submission & Review tracking system or attachment to email at immunogenetics@immunologyjournals.org

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Robert Solomon
Managing Editor
Immunogenetics: open access