Stress and Autoimmunity – A Complicated Picture

Abstract

With such a high prevalence of autoimmune disease in the United States, it is of utmost importance to gain a better understanding of the autoimmune disease process in order to clearly outline not only disease treatment but also prevention of the disease process. This research examines the factors involved in the development of autoimmunity. Among these factors are psychological stress, glucocorticoid resistance, overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an imbalance of Th17 and T regulatory cells. Comprehending the sequence of actions, interactions and reactions in aforementioned pathways is essential in discovering therapeutic interventions for autoimmune disease treatment and prevention.