Quite simply, autoimmunity is when your immune system starts attacking your own cells. Implicated in many diseases today and closely tied to inflammation, autoimmunity is important to understand if you want to stay healthy.
There are 3 main types of immune cells that can contribute to autoimmunity, T cells, B cells, and macrophages.
T cells
T cells act like the immune system’s soldiers and decision-makers. Their job is to recognize what belongs in the body and what does not, such as viruses or bacteria.
In autoimmune conditions, some T cells become confused. Instead of targeting real threats, they mistakenly identify healthy parts of the body—like the thyroid, joints, skin, or gut—as dangerous.
Because T cells help direct the rest of the immune response, this mistake often triggers ongoing inflammation and immune attacks. For that reason, misdirected T cells are considered one of the main drivers of autoimmune disease.
B cells
B cells are responsible for making antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE). Antibodies are proteins that normally attach to germs so the immune system can remove them.
In autoimmune conditions, some B cells produce antibodies that mistakenly target the body’s own tissues. These are called autoantibodies. Instead of helping with protection, these antibodies contribute to inflammation and tissue damage.
This is why many autoimmune diseases can be detected through blood tests that measure specific antibodies.
Macrophages
Macrophages are immune cells that act like clean-up and defense workers. They engulf germs, damaged cells, and debris, and they help signal when inflammation is needed.
In autoimmune conditions, macrophages can stay overly active for too long. Even when there is no real threat, they continue releasing inflammatory signals.
This ongoing activity contributes to chronic inflammation, pain, and tissue irritation commonly seen in autoimmune disorders.
Now here’s a really important piece most people never hear…
Regulatory T cells (Tregs)
Regulatory T cells act as the immune system’s brakes. Their job is to calm the immune response once a threat has passed and to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissue.
In autoimmune conditions, these regulatory cells do not work as effectively as they should. There may be too few of them, or they may not be strong enough to stop the immune attack.
When this calming system fails, the immune response stays turned on longer than necessary. This allows inflammation and tissue damage to continue, even when no real danger is present.
This loss of immune “control” helps explain why autoimmune conditions tend to be chronic and why symptoms can flare repeatedly over time.
Why Does Autoimmunity Occur?
Immune cells learn what is safe and what is dangerous by reading signals from the body. These signals come from infections, the gut, hormones, stress chemicals, damaged tissue, past immune reactions, possibly even medical interventions. When those signals stay abnormal for too long, immune cells start making mistakes.
One common reason is molecular mimicry. Sometimes a virus or bacteria looks very similar to a normal body tissue. The immune system learns to attack the infection, but when the infection is gone, the immune cells still recognize the body tissue as a threat. The immune system doesn’t realize it’s now attacking something that belongs.
Another major reason is chronic inflammation. When inflammation stays high for months or years, immune cells remain stuck in attack mode. Over time, they lose their ability to properly distinguish between danger and safety. Everything starts to look like a threat.
The gut also plays a huge role. A large portion of the immune system is trained in the gut. If the gut lining is irritated or overly permeable, immune cells are repeatedly exposed to particles they were never meant to see. This constant exposure can teach immune cells the wrong lessons.
Stress hormones matter too. Chronic stress changes how immune cells behave. It weakens the calming signals from regulatory cells and strengthens inflammatory signals. Over time, the immune system becomes more reactive and less controlled.
Finally, immune cells rely on regulatory signals to shut down responses. If regulatory T cells are weak or overwhelmed, the immune system loses its braking system. Attacks that should stop continue longer than they should.
Can Drugs or Environmental Factors Cause Autoimmunity?
Some drugs and chemicals can change how the immune system sees the body.
One way this happens is through something called hapten formation. A drug or chemical by itself may be harmless, but once it attaches to a normal body protein, the immune system may no longer recognize that protein as “self.” Immune cells then attack the combined structure, and in the process, they begin targeting the body tissue too.
Another way is through immune overstimulation. Certain medications strongly activate immune pathways. If this activation is intense or long-lasting, immune cells can stay in attack mode and lose tolerance to normal tissue. Over time, this increases the risk of misdirected immune responses.
Some chemicals also create cell damage or oxidative stress. When cells are repeatedly injured, they release distress signals. The immune system responds to this ongoing damage and can begin attacking nearby healthy tissue, especially if regulatory control is weak.
Drugs and chemicals may also interfere with immune regulation. They can reduce the effectiveness of regulatory T cells, which normally keep the immune response under control. When these “brake” signals are weakened, inflammation is easier to trigger and harder to shut off.
Importantly, not everyone exposed to these substances develops autoimmunity. Genetics, gut health, infections, hormone balance, and stress levels all influence how the immune system reacts. For most people, drugs or chemicals act as one factor among many.
10 Simple Steps To Take At Home If You’ve Been Diagnosed With An Autoimmune Disorder
- Focus on calming the immune system, not boosting it.
Autoimmunity is caused by an overactive immune response. Avoid anything aimed at “stimulating” immunity and focus on balance and regulation instead. - Make sleep a top priority.
Consistent, high-quality sleep helps regulate immune activity. Aim for a regular bedtime, a dark room, and reduced screen time at night. - Reduce obvious inflammatory foods.
Start simple. Cut back on ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates. Pay attention to how foods like gluten, dairy, and alcohol affect your symptoms. - Support gut health gently.
Eat regular meals, include fiber from whole foods, and avoid constant snacking. You don’t need extreme diets or aggressive cleanses to support immune balance. - Actively manage stress.
Chronic stress weakens immune regulation. Daily habits like walking, breathing exercises, journaling, prayer, or quiet time can meaningfully reduce flare frequency. - Move your body without overtraining.
Regular, moderate movement supports immune balance. Pushing too hard or overtraining can worsen autoimmune symptoms. - Track patterns instead of aiming for perfection.
Notice how sleep, food, stress, exercise, illness, and medications affect symptoms. Autoimmune conditions are highly individual. - Be cautious with immune-stimulating supplements.
Many “immune boosters” can worsen autoimmune activity. Always think in terms of immune balance, not stimulation. - Work with your healthcare provider and stay informed.
Medications may be necessary and helpful. Lifestyle strategies often reduce symptom severity and frequency and work alongside medical care. - Be patient with the process.
Autoimmune conditions develop slowly, and improvement usually happens gradually. Flare-ups are feedback, not failure.
Medical Disclaimer | This content is for educational purposes only and does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding medical decisions.