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Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
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The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

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Apoptosis

Apoptosis

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Establishing a Silicosis Rat Model via Exposure of Whole-Body to Respirable Silica

Establishing a Silicosis Rat Model via Exposure of Whole-Body to Respirable Silica

Published on: October 28, 2022

Silica, apoptosis, and autoimmunity.

Jared M Brown¹, Jean C Pfau, Mark A Pershouse

¹Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA.

Journal of Immunotoxicology

|October 30, 2008

Summary

Occupational silica exposure is linked to autoimmune diseases like scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. This review explores mechanisms connecting silica exposure to the development and progression of these systemic autoimmune conditions.

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A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust

Published on: January 6, 2023

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Establishing a Silicosis Rat Model via Exposure of Whole-Body to Respirable Silica

Establishing a Silicosis Rat Model via Exposure of Whole-Body to Respirable Silica

Published on: October 28, 2022

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust

A Silicosis Mouse Model Established by Repeated Inhalation of Crystalline Silica Dust

Published on: January 6, 2023

Area of Science:

Environmental Health
Immunology
Toxicology

Background:

Environmental exposures are implicated in autoimmune disease development.
Crystalline silica is one such environmental agent linked to systemic autoimmune diseases.
Epidemiological evidence suggests occupational silica exposure correlates with scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Purpose of the Study:

To review human epidemiology data on silica exposure and systemic autoimmune disease.
To focus on potential mechanisms linking silica exposure to autoimmunity initiation and progression.

Main Methods:

Literature review of epidemiological studies.
Analysis of mechanistic pathways connecting silica exposure to autoimmune responses.

Main Results:

Growing epidemiological evidence supports a link between occupational silica exposure and various autoimmune diseases.
Few mechanistic studies currently exist to explain this association.
This review synthesizes existing data and proposes potential mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Silica exposure is a significant environmental factor associated with systemic autoimmune diseases.
Further mechanistic research is crucial to understand how silica triggers and advances autoimmunity.
Understanding these mechanisms may inform prevention and treatment strategies.