Immune markers are proteins, antibodies, and other substances produced by the immune system. These markers help doctors diagnose autoimmune diseases, which are caused by the body's own immune system attacking itself. In this article, we will discuss the various immune markers associated with autoimmune diseases and how they are used in diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Immune Markers
The most common type of immune marker is an antibody, which is produced by the immune system when it detects a foreign substance. Antibodies are used to identify and target specific antigens, or foreign substances, in the body. In autoimmune diseases, the body produces antibodies to its own tissues. These antibodies, called autoantibodies, can be used to identify the presence of autoimmune disease.
Other types of immune markers include cytokines, which are proteins that regulate the body's immune response, and chemokines, which are proteins that attract immune cells to an area of the body. These markers are produced in response to specific diseases and can be used to identify the presence of a particular autoimmune disorder.
Using Immune Markers in Diagnosis and Treatment
Immune markers can be used to diagnose autoimmune diseases. Doctors use a variety of tests to measure levels of specific immune markers in the blood. If these markers are found to be elevated, it is likely that the patient has an autoimmune disorder.
Immune markers can also be used to monitor the progress of autoimmune diseases. By measuring levels of certain immune markers over time, doctors can track the progression of the disease and determine how well a patient is responding to treatment.
Conclusion
Immune markers are proteins, antibodies, and other substances produced by the immune system. These markers are used to diagnose and monitor autoimmune diseases, which are caused by the body's own immune system attacking itself. By measuring levels of specific immune markers in the blood, doctors can identify the presence of autoimmune diseases and track the progress of the disease.
