What causes rheumatic immune disease?

Rheumatic diseases (rheumatic diseases) are a group of complex diseases whose pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, but research shows that these diseases are usually caused by the interaction of multiple factors, including genetic factors, environmental factors, and immune system abnormalities.

Many rheumatic immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis, show obvious familial aggregation. Research has found that certain genetic variations are closely related to the occurrence of these diseases. For example, specific subtypes of HLA genes related to immune response may increase an individual's risk of disease. Genetic susceptibility therefore plays a fundamental role in the development of these diseases.

Environmental factors are also important factors in promoting the occurrence of rheumatic immune diseases. These factors include infections, lifestyle, climate change, and exposure to certain chemicals. For example, certain viral (such as Epstein-Barr virus) and bacterial infections are thought to trigger abnormal responses of the immune system, leading to an autoimmune reaction. In addition, lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and poor eating habits are also considered to increase the risk of certain rheumatic immune diseases.

Abnormalities of the immune system are the core mechanism of rheumatic immune diseases. Under normal circumstances, the immune system is able to effectively identify and attack foreign pathogens, but in patients with rheumatic immune diseases, the immune system may mistakenly regard one's own tissues as foreign substances, resulting in an autoimmune response. This abnormal immune response can lead to inflammation, tissue damage and dysfunction. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium of the joints, causing joint pain and swelling.

(Click to view an introduction to drugs for the treatment of rheumatic and immune diseases)

Reference materials:https://rheumatology.org/rheumatologist