Editorial: Autoimmune diseases: from molecular mechanisms to therapy development

Autoimmune diseases comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the immune system’s failure to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to aberrant immune responses that target the body’s own cells and tissues. This dysregulation manifests as chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and systemic dysfunction, with clinical presentations ranging from severe organ failure to subtle biochemical abnormalities. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is shaped by complex interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and epigenetic modifications, which together undermine immune self-tolerance. Given their wide-ranging effects on multiple organ systems and the overlap in clinical manifestations, diagnosing autoimmune disorders is inherently challenging. Proper diagnosis requires the identification of disease-specific biomarkers and the performance of tests to rule out other conditions.