Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

'''Autoimmune disease''' is defined as ''a disease state characterized by a specific antibody or cell mediated response against the body's own tissues ('self' antigens).

'''Autoimmune disease''' is defined as ''a disease state characterised by a specific antibody or cell mediated response against the body's own tissues ('self' antigens).

The breakdown of [[Immune Tolerance - WikiBlood|tolerance]] to self antigens and the failure to regulate pathological immune responses are both responsible for autoimmune diseases. It has been shown in mice that thymectomy causes autoimmune disease, and plays a very important role in the recognition of 'self'.  

The breakdown of [[Immune Tolerance - WikiBlood|tolerance]] to self antigens and the failure to regulate pathological immune responses are both responsible for autoimmune diseases. It has been shown in mice that thymectomy causes autoimmune disease, and plays a very important role in the recognition of 'self'.