Autoantibodies are the antibodies produced by plasma cells that
are directed against our own body receptors and cells.
Autoantibodies are the result of a failure of the immune system
to discriminate between self and nonself, which target a persons
own antigen.
When the immune system ceases to recognize one or more of the
body normal constituents as self, it may produce autoantibodies
that react with its own cells, tissue, and organs. This may cause
inflammation, damage, and dysfunction of organs or systems, leading
to signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders.
Some of the autoimmune disorders are graves disease or
Hashimoto thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune
hepatitis.
Most commonly ordered test for autoimmune disorders are
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.