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An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infections by recognizing and attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system incorrectly identifies healthy cells as threats and targets them, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired function of the affected organs or systems.
Praespero’s mission ()is to facilitate innovation, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary research that will lead us to the root causes of autoimmune disease.
Three main mechanisms have been identified to explain the process of autoimmune disease development:
• molecular mimicry (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3266166/)(when a virus has parts that look similar to your body's own cells, so your immune system gets confused and attacks both);
• epitope spreading (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15399978)(when an initial attack on a virus causes an immune system to also start attacking nearby healthy tissues over time), and;
• bystander activation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31326230/)(when the virus accidentally activates other immune cells that then attack your own body.
But what triggers these mechanisms? The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood but are believed to involve genetic[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1), environmental[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2), lifestyle[()LG3] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_3), and hormonal factors[()LG4] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_4).
Additionally, dysregulation (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674922014816)of immune tolerance mechanisms—normally responsible for preventing the immune system from attacking the body—can lead to autoimmune responses.
Overall, it's a multifaceted interplay of these factors that can tip the immune system into attacking the body's own tissues.
Understanding autoimmune disease causes requires more than just investigating external causes, but understanding the complex internal mechanisms of the immune system. With over 1.8 trillion immune cells in the human body, the human immunome has the capacity to make hundreds of trillions of distinct immune cells. We haven’t even begun to break the surface in tapping the infinite depths of the immunome and mapping it is a new frontier of discovery!
Because of this, understanding root causes of these over 100 debilitating conditions has evaded scientists, leaving medical science to focus more on treating symptoms rather than understanding causes, curing and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Praespero is dedicated to autoimmune disease research that explores root causes.
Genetic predisposition (https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/7-ad-risk-factors/)[LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)plays a significant role, as individuals with a family history of autoimmune conditions like Lupus and MS, are more likely to develop one themselves. Specific genes related to immune regulation, such as those in the HLA (human leukocyte antigen)(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459459/) complex, have been linked to increased risk and may even be involved in changing and defining the relationship between the environmental factors associated with autoimmune diseases, according to one study.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459459/)
Having a gene associated with an autoimmune disease doesn't guarantee you will develop the condition, but it does increase your risk. There are a number of lifestyle choices ()[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)you can make to potentially help reduce your risk . Autoimmune diseases are complex and influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Environmental factors include exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8325494/#:~:text=Environmental%20chemicals%20have%20the%20ability%20to%20alter%20post%2Dtranslational%20modifications,promote%20immunogenicity%20of%20self%2Dproteins.&text=These%20protein%20modifications%20play%20a,multiple%20sclerosis%20and%20rheumatoid%20arthritis.) Certain chemicals (e.g. cigarette smoke, heavy metals, silica dust, certain pesticides and herbicides, and industrial chemicals like solvents) can change the way our body's proteins are built or modified after they are made. These changes can make our own proteins look different or unusual. When this happens, our immune system might see these altered proteins as foreign or harmful, which can lead to our body attacking itself. This process can contribute to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body.
Infections may also trigger autoimmune responses through molecular mimicry among other mechanisms, (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3266166/#:~:text=Table%202.&text=The%20use%20of%20transgenic%20(tg,the%20T%20cells%20to%20respond.)where the immune system mistakes body tissues for pathogens.
You can avoid exposure to environmental risks by limiting exposure to environmental allergens if you’re sensitive, as well as toxins and pollutants (e.g. cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, chemicals in plastics like PFAS (https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2025/5/20/plastic-and-the-rise-of-autoimmune-disease#:~:text=PFAS%20(Per%20and%20Polyfluoroalkyl%20substances,Dissimilarly%2C%20it's%20not%20a%20mistake.)or “forever chemicals”, pesticides,(https://www.beyondpesticides.org/resources/pesticide-induced-diseases-database/immune-disorders#:~:text=Occupational%20exposure%20to%20pesticides%20has,been%20reported%20by%20the%20studies.) etc,), practicing good hygiene,, maintaining a healthy diet, protecting yourself from the sun (which can trigger autoimmune conditions like lupus), and having regular medical checkups for early detection and management.
Hormonal influences are evident, as autoimmune diseases are more common in women, suggesting hormones like estrogen (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17261796/)may modulate immune activity. According to one study, (https://drfionand.com/estrogen-autoimmune-disease/)the link between extreme estrogen fluctuations and autoimmune diseases may explain why women tend to develop these conditions most often during postpartum, or perimenopause, when conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Grave’s Disease often emerge.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (see below), and monitoring hormonal health through regular medical checkups and managing hormonal imbalances, can help reduce the risk.
Additionally, be cautious with hormone-based medications and discuss risks with your healthcare provider. Avoid environmental exposures that can interfere with hormonal regulation, like chemicals in plastics,(https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2025/5/20/plastic-and-the-rise-of-autoimmune-disease#:~:text=PFAS%20(Per%20and%20Polyfluoroalkyl%20substances,Dissimilarly%2C%20it's%20not%20a%20mistake.) pesticides (https://www.beyondpesticides.org/resources/pesticide-induced-diseases-database/immune-disorders#:~:text=Occupational%20exposure%20to%20pesticides%20has,been%20reported%20by%20the%20studies.)and personal care products.
Hair dies,(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4389085/#:~:text=Conclusion,and%20exposure%20to%20chemical%20compounds.) including aromatic amines, may be linked to autoimmune conditions, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), or aromatic amines (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3496812/#:~:text=2.7%20Hair%20dyes%20and%20cosmetic%20products&text=The%20rationale%20for%20investigating%20hair,%2D9.4)%20%5B27%5D.)linked to lupus-like syndromes.
Cosmetics may contain phthalates,(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1314959/#:~:text=Ghosh%20plans%20to%20screen%20lupus,to%20conclusions%2C%E2%80%9D%20Diamond%20says.) mercury (https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune#:~:text=Organic%20mercury%20may%20trigger%20autoimmune%20disease%20%E2%80%93,to%20autoimmune%20diseases%2C%20such%20as%20inflammatory%20bowel)and fragrances,(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8830458/) that could potentially contribute to autoimmune diseases.
Skin care products may include ingredients that are irritants indirectly linked to autoimmune diseases, like fragrances,(https://caplanhealthinstitute.com/chemicals-that-cause-autoimmune-disease-and-detoxification-treatments/#:~:text=I%20wish%20there%20was%20a,are%20oozing%20with%20harmful%20ingredients.) formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents. They may contain mineral oil and petroleum (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378427415001150#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20for%20petrolatum%20(petroleum,also%20influence%20each%20other's%20penetration.)which can increase skin permeability, allowing more irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin. Some antibiotics may also be an issue. Oxybenzone, a sunscreen ingredient, has also been linked to endocrine disruption which may contribute to autoimmune responses.
Some herbal supplements,(https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/features/herbal-supplement-use-in-autoimmune-disease/#:~:text=For%20patients%20with%20autoimmune%20diseases%2C%20particularly%20those%20with%20skin%20conditions,responses%20and%20triggering%20disease%20exacerbations.&text=A%20primary%20concern%20is%20the,with%20DM%20using%20herbal%20supplements.) like blue-green algae, echinacea, and spirulina, can potentially trigger autoimmune responses or worsen existing conditions.
Certain lifestyle factors have been linked to autoimmune diseases, but research is ongoing. Lifestyle factors like smoking,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17153844/#:~:text=Cigarette%20smoking%20has%20been%20causally%20linked%20to,risk%20of%20each%20of%20these%20autoimmune%20diseases.) stress,(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S156899720700170X#:~:text=Physical%20and%20psychological%20stress%20has,trauma%2C%20and%20other%20common%20triggers.) and potentially poor diet (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4034518/)are linked to autoimmune diseases.
There are ways to lower your risk of triggering symptoms, including:
• Maintaining a healthy diet: This means avoiding foods that cause inflammation (https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/culinary-medicine-autoimmunity-and-healthful-eating/)and other responses that harm the intestinal tract and other organs.(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31917265/) Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support your immune system.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps boost your immune function and overall health while reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases by promoting anti-inflammatory effects, modulating the immune system, and improving overall health and well-being.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: Smoking is linked to increasing risk of autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, through several mechanisms, including increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered immune responses. Smoking can also disrupt DNA, potentially leading to the production of autoantibodies.
• Manage stress: While stress alone isn't the sole cause of autoimmune diseases, it appears to be a significant factor that can influence disease activity and progression by modulating immune responses, promoting inflammation and leading to sustained high cortisol levels which contribute to the onset and flare-ups of autoimmune conditions. Chronic stress can dysregulate the immune system and affect the activity of immune cells, including T cells and B cells which can increase the likelihood of the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Stress can also have a chain reaction effect on other life style risk factors (listed here) that contribute to inflammation and immune function.
• Get adequate sleep: Sleep deprivation and insomnia are risk factors that can disrupt the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially increasing vulnerability to autoimmune conditions.
• Be cautious with infections: Some infections can trigger autoimmune responses through several mechanisms, such as; molecular mimicry (When a virus has parts that look similar to your body's own cells, so your immune system gets confused and attacks both); epitope spreading (when an initial attack on a virus causes an immune system to also start attacking nearby healthy tissues over time), and; bystander activation (when the virus accidentally activates other immune cells that then attack your own body.
Practice good hygiene and stay up to date with vaccinations.
• Monitor environmental exposures: Limit exposure to environmental toxins, certain personal care products[LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1), and chemicals that may influence immune function. More on environmental exposure is here. [LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)
• Regular Medical Check-ups: Early detection and management of health issues can be beneficial.
Gut health plays a significant role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. Here are the top distinct ways that gut health contributes:
• Gut barrier integrity (leaky gut)
When the intestinal lining (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9271567/)becomes more permeable (“leaky gut”), undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can pass into the bloodstream. This can trigger immune responses and promote inflammation, potentially leading to autoimmune activity. Examples include: type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lupus.
• Imbalance of gut microbiota (dysbiosis)
An imbalance in the beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut can disrupt immune regulation. Dysbiosis (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949834124000023#:~:text=The%20gut%20microbiota%2C%20however%2C%20may%20be%20the,et%20al.%2C%202017%2C%20Honda%20and%20Littman%2C%202012).&text=Gut%20microbiota%20as%20explained%20helps%20in%20attaining%20immune%20homeostasis%20in%20the%20body.)may promote inflammatory pathways and impair the immune system’s ability to distinguish between harmless and harmful entities, increasing autoimmune risk. Diseases linked to dysbiosis include multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and IBDs like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Molecular mimicry
Certain gut bacteria (https://researchfeatures.com/gut-bacteria-key-treating-autoimmune-disease/#:~:text=If%20a%20microorganism%20within%20the,focus%20of%20the%20Kriegel%20laboratory.)or dietary proteins may have structures similar to body tissues causing the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own tissues when reacting to these microbes. Examples of diseases that are linked to molecular mimicry include celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.
• Chronic low-grade inflammation
Poor gut health can lead to persistent, low-level inflammation. This systemic inflammation (https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/inflammation-a-driving-force-of-autoimmune-disease/)can dysregulate immune responses, making the body more susceptible to autoimmune reactions.
• Impact on immune cell development and function
The gut microbiome influences the development and function of immune cells, such as regulatory T cells (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10008692/#:~:text=The%20gut%20microbiome%20composition%20is%20altered%20by,alteration%20affects%20immune%20cells%2C%20especially%20T%20cells.&text=Treg%20cells%20play%20a%20crucial%20role%20in,to%20both%20self%20and%20non%2Dself%2Dinnocuous%20antigens%2045.)(Tregs), which help keep the immune system in check. Disruptions in gut microbiota can impair these regulatory mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of autoimmune responses.
Autoimmune diseases are more common in women due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors:
• Genetic factors: Women have two X chromosomes, which increases their risk (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7206452/#:~:text=Abstract,become%20altered%20in%20lupus%20patients.)for autoimmune diseases because many immune-related genes are located on the X chromosome. This may contribute to a stronger immune response, which can sometimes lead to autoimmunity.
• Hormonal influences: Hormones like estrogen can affect the immune system. Estrogen tends to enhance immune responses, which might increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Consequently, some studies (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4701921/)suggest that high estrogen levels may be associated with an increase in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
a. According to one study,(https://drfionand.com/estrogen-autoimmune-disease/) the link between extreme estrogen fluctuations and autoimmune diseases may explain why women tend to develop these conditions most often during postpartum, or perimenopause, when conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Grave’s Disease often emerge.
• Environmental triggers: Women may be more exposed to certain environmental factors, such as infections or stress, that can trigger autoimmune responses. One study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3302961/)notes that while environmental factors can be associated with a gender bias in human autoimmunity, “many studies show that the increased risk of autoimmunity is often influenced by occupational exposure or other gender biased activities.” Other studies show that exposure to certain chemicals,(https://www.ccfmed.com/blog/why-women-are-more-susceptible-to-autoimmune-diseases) including pesticides and industrial pollutants, may increase the risk (especially for women living on farms) of developing autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus - and that women are more likely to develop these diseases following such exposures.
• Immune system differences: Women generally have more robust immune (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511180740.htm#:~:text=Maya%20Saleh%2C%20of%20the%20Research,inflammatory%20response%20against%20bacterial%20pathogens.)responses than men, which can be a double-edged sword. While it helps in fighting infections, it also increases the likelihood of the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues.
Doctors don't agree (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases)on which autoimmune disorder is most common.
But 20 commonly known autoimmune diseases are:
Addison's disease, celiac disease, dermatomyositis, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, pernicious anemia, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), type 1 diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, scleroderma, vitiligo, autoimmune gastritis, and autoimmune thyroiditis
For an exhaustive list of autoimmune diseases visit here[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)
With over 100+ autoimmune diseases, the body is impacted in a diversity of harmful ways that effect immunity, tissues, organs, metabolism, mental health and quality of life. This is why we are passionate about funding research that seeks to end autoimmune diseases.
To see different types of diseases associated with different body parts, click here[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1).
Common ways that autoimmune diseases impact the body include:
• Increased susceptibility to infections: Unfortunately, many treatments for autoimmune diseases suppress the immune system,(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10418-immunosuppressants) making individuals more vulnerable to infections. Learn more ()[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)about how we are working to change this, and partner with the body rather than suppress the body, through the research we fund at Praespero.
• Tissue/organ damage: Inflammation and damage to specific tissues or organs,(https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune) leading to functional impairment is common.
• Chronic inflammation:(https://www.testing.com/inflammation-and-autoimmune-testing/#:~:text=Inflammatory%20disease%20is%20a%20broad,Ulcerative%20colitis) Which can cause pain, swelling, and tissue destruction
• Chronic immune activation: When the immune system is activated inflammatory cytokines (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453019313198#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20when%20the%20immune,et%20al.%2C%202008).)are released causing fatigue, malaise, anxiety, anhedonia, worsened mood, reduced social interaction and increased pain sensitivity.
• Organ dysfunction: Depending on the affected area, autoimmune diseases can impair organ function—for example, in Type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.(https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000305.htm)
• Metabolic and nutritional changes: due to inflammation (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6421792/)can alter how the body processes nutrients.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8620243/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20increasing%20inflammation,inflammatory%20signaling%20pathways%20%5B21%5D.) Some conditions, like autoimmune thyroid diseases Graves’ Disease,(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15244-graves-disease) and Hashimoto’s Disease,(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17665-hashimotos-disease) can affect metabolic rate. Medication side effects may also affect appetite or nutrient absorption
• Psychological and emotional effects: Because living with an autoimmune disease involves chronic pain and disability, it can have spillover effects on mental health,(https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/managing-mental-health-with-an-autoimmune-disease/) including depression, anxiety and stress related to managing ongoing symptoms and treatment regimens.
One thing we are passionate about at Praespero is minimizing[()LG3] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_3) the impact of autoimmune disease treatments on the body. Traditional medicine often treats autoimmune diseases by suppressing the immune system, which can increase infection risk. Praespero researchers believe in working with the body to prevent, cure or treat autoimmune diseases more safely.
Yes. Because autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, this can weaken the immune response or make the body more vulnerable to infections leading to more frequency and/or severity of illness.
Additionally, some treatments for autoimmune conditions, such as immunosuppressants, can also reduce the body's ability to fight off illnesses. This is why, Praespero, aims to fund research[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1) that will lead to cures, prevention and/or treatments that work with the body and not against the body.
If you have an autoimmune disease, it's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and reduce your risk of infections.
Autoimmune disease symptoms vary widely depending on the specific disease and organs involved.
Five common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder include:
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness (https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/fatigue-and-autoimmune-disease)that doesn't improve with rest is a frequent symptom across many autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Pain and Swelling: Many autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and polymyalgia rheumatica cause joint inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Muscle Weakness: Autoimmune diseases like myositis, myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to muscle weakness and difficulty moving.
• Skin Changes: Rashes, (https://www.verywellhealth.com/autoimmune-disease-rash-8607591#:~:text=dermnetnz.org%202023.-,Lupus,may%20find%20graphic%20or%20disturbing.&text=Lupus%20is%20a%20chronic%20autoimmune,immune%20system%20targets%20skin%20cells.&text=Malar%20rash%20is%20a%20distinct,)%2C%20which%20rosacea%20does%20not.)redness, or other skin abnormalities are common in conditions like lupus or psoriasis.
• Fever: Low-grade or intermittent fevers (https://rheumatologistoncall.com/2023/01/09/fever-in-autoimmune-diseases/)may occur as the immune system responds to ongoing inflammation. However, it's not always a prominent symptom, and the type and severity of fever can vary.
There's no single test to diagnose an autoimmune disease, and diagnosis often involves looking at a range of symptoms and test results together. One major challenge in diagnosing autoimmune diseases is the overlap of symptoms with other conditions.(https://www.amnhealthcare.com/blog/physician/locums/the-most-difficult-autoimmune-diseases-to-diagnose/) Because various forms of autoimmune disfunction are widespread across 100+ diseases, and therefore lesser known (https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/the-global-landscape-of-autoimmune-disease/)and underprioritized (https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/blog/a-major-health-crisis-the-alarming-rise-of-autoimmune-disease/#:~:text=Despite%20the%20significant%20burden%20these,and%20ensure%20access%20to%20treatments.)for funding compared to other diseases like cancer[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1) and heart disease, it can take an average of 4.5 years (https://www.benaroyaresearch.org/blog/diagnosing-autoimmune-diseases#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20American%20Autoimmune,typically%20has%20seen%20four%20doctors.)and 4.8 physicians (https://www.amnhealthcare.com/blog/physician/locums/the-most-difficult-autoimmune-diseases-to-diagnose/)to diagnose a serious and common autoimmune disease.
If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune condition, consult a doctor who will likely recommend a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and other diagnostic tools. They will look for patterns in your symptoms, as autoimmune diseases can cause a variety of problems, including fatigue, pain, rash, joint inflammation, and fatigue, among others. Commonly blood tests (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm#:~:text=Exams%20and%20Tests&text=Your%20health%20care%20provider%20will,Urinalysis)are the first step in evaluating for autoimmune disease, which can include testing for Antinuclear antibody (ANA), autoantibody tests, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and urinalysis.
Other tests (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases)may include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.), tissue biopsies or, in some cases, genetic testing.
Finally, a resource for checking symptoms (https://autoimmuneornot.com/)is the CSQ, a validated health measure that asses one’s risk of 7 autoimmune diseases.
At Praespero we believe that by raising awareness [()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)about the importance of prioritizing autoimmune disease awareness and research, we may be able to reduce the length of time and cost associated with diagnosing autoimmune diseases.
For the majority of people with autoimmune diseases, life expectancy is not significantly reduced.(https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders#faq) Most individuals can expect to live a full and normal life. While some autoimmune diseases can be fatal or lead to life-threatening complications, these are rare.
While this is good news, it can also contribute to a perception that these conditions don't pose as significant a threat as diseases with shorter lifespans. The reality is autoimmune diseases are chronic and debilitating, causing significant morbidity, economic impact and healthcare costs, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9918670/)
For these reasons, Praespero is calling for higher awareness and research through private and public funding. You can help by spreading the word ()[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)and donating[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2) to research projects aimed at understanding root causes of autoimmune diseases, prevention, cures and treatments.
Immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases aims to modulate or suppress (https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-immunotherapy-can-treat-cancer-and-autoimmune-diseases)the overactive immune response that mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Unlike treatments that broadly suppress the immune system, many immunotherapies target specific aspects of the immune response to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness.
Here's how it generally works:
1. Targeting Immune Cells:
Some immunotherapies focus on specific immune cells, such as T cells (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2837464/)or B cells,(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2730843/#:~:text=Abstract,diseases%20have%20also%20been%20discussed.) which play a central role in autoimmune reactions. By inhibiting or depleting these cells, the therapy reduces tissue damage.
2. Modulating Immune Signaling:
Many treatments interfere with cytokines,(https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy/cytokines.html#:~:text=Cytokines%20are%20small%20proteins%20that%20are%20crucial,help%20the%20body's%20immune%20and%20inflammation%20responses.) small proteins that act as messengers, communicating between cells and influencing the immune system, or other signaling molecules that promote inflammation. For example, biologic agents can block tumor necrosis factor-alpha (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7962638/)(TNF-α), interleukins,(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499840/#:~:text=The%20primary%20function%20of%20interleukins,affinity%20receptors%20in%20cell%20surfaces.) or other cytokines involved in the autoimmune process.
3. Inducing Immune Tolerance:
Certain strategies aim to retrain the immune system to tolerate (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4061980/#:~:text=Traditional%20therapies%20for%20autoimmune%20disease,when%20compared%20to%20alternative%20approaches.)self-antigens, (that means teaching the immune system to ignore its own cells and tissues) or to differentiate (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1071274/#:~:text=SELECTIVE%20IMMUNOTHERAPIES%20FOR%20AUTOIMMUNE%20DISEASES&text=An%20alternative%20approach%20is%20to,available%20(type%201%20diabetes).&text=The%20problem%20may%20be%20that,applicable%20to%20other%20autoimmune%20diseases.)between self and non-self antigens (the fundamental process by which the immune system knows which cells to attack (foreign invaders) and which not to attack (self-cells). This can involve exposure to specific autoantigens (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4918244/#:~:text=1%2C9%E2%80%9312,provide%20protection%20from%20autoimmune%20disease.)(molecules present within your body that your immune system mistakenly identifies as foreign) in controlled ways or using therapies that promote regulatory T cells, which help maintain immune self-tolerance.
4. Biologic Agents:
Monoclonal antibodies (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923804/#:~:text=However%2C%20their%20utilization%20as%20pharmacological,and%20characterize%20their%20pharmacological%20properties.)or fusion proteins are special medicines that specifically target certain parts of the immune system that are involved in problem autoimmune responses, leading to decreased inflammation and tissue damage.
Examples of immunotherapies include:
• Anti-TNF agents (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482425/)for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease
• B cell depleting therapies like rituximab (https://arthritis.ca/treatment/medication/medication-reference-guide/medications/rituximab#:~:text=Drug%20Name,infusions%2C%20scheduled%20two%20weeks%20apart.)
• Interleukin inhibitors (https://synapse.patsnap.com/article/what-are-interleukins-inhibitors-and-how-do-they-work)for various autoimmune conditions
• Emerging approaches such as antigen-specific tolerization (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167779918300623#:~:text=Highlights,implement%20ASI%20against%20self%2Dproteins.)therapies, also known as antigen-specific immunotherapy (ASI).
Immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases works by selectively dampening or redirecting the immune response to prevent damage to the body's own tissues while preserving overall immune function as much as possible.
That said, we at Praespero want to take it one step further and advance research that opens the door to understanding how we can work in partnership ()[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)with the immune system rather than suppressing it. Our ultimate aim is to end autoimmune diseases through prevention and cures.
While currently there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, we at Praespero fund projects that contribute to our mission [()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)to end autoimmune diseases. Praespero also funds projects focused on sustainable treatments. Our goal is to fund research that leads to better understanding of root causes and developing solutions that work with the body's immune system—partnering with it, not suppressing it—to improve lives and find lasting cures.
Supporting a loved one with an autoimmune disease involves a combination of emotional, practical, and informational support.
Here are some ways you can help:
• Educate yourself: Learn about their specific condition to better understand what they’re going through. This can help you empathize and provide relevant support.
• Offer emotional support: Be a good listener and show empathy. Chronic illnesses can be frustrating and isolating, so your presence and understanding can make a big difference.
• Respect their limits: Autoimmune diseases often cause fatigue and flare-ups. Respect their need to rest or take breaks, and be patient with their energy levels and mood changes.
• Help with daily tasks: Offer assistance with chores, errands, or appointments, especially during flare-ups or bad days.
• Encourage self-care: Support their efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper medication, nutrition, and stress management, and encourage them to seek professional medical advice.
• Advocate and raise awareness: Help them navigate healthcare systems and advocate for their needs. You can also participate in awareness campaigns or support groups together.
For more ways to raise awareness and get involved in advancing autoimmune disease science, visit here[LG1] .
Remember, your compassion and understanding can significantly improve their quality of life, making a challenging journey a little easier to manage.
There are many charitable organizations focused on autoimmune diseases across the world – each one can be categorized based on their primary focus and mission. For example, a research charity like Praespero will be dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of autoimmune conditions, funding research projects, and helping scientific discoveries get to the next step of developing new treatments. Praespero aims to uncover the root causes and underlying mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, fostering innovation in biomedical and medical research.
A patient resource charity, on the other hand, will focus on improving the quality of life for individuals living with autoimmune conditions. It will often provide educational materials, support networks, and advocacy services to help patients manage their health and navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
Additionally, some nonprofit organizations concentrate on advocacy, including raising awareness, reducing stigma, and influencing policy to ensure better access to care and resources. It can be said that no one type of charity is more important. Collectively, these organizations play a vital role in supporting both the scientific and personal aspects of autoimmune diseases, working toward better treatments, greater understanding, and enhanced support for affected individuals.
Some things that make Praespero distinct from other non-profit organizations are:
a) Praespero doesn’t focus on one autoimmune disease – rather we provide novel biomedical and medical research funding that targets a range of autoimmune diseases to encourage more cross pollination of discoveries across teams.
b) Praespero encourages medical research collaboration and cross disciplinary research, supporting diverse types of experts and encouraging them to work together.
c) Praespero funds Innovative medical research projects that may not qualify for traditional funding. We focus on higher risk, higher reward, filling a gap in the research funding space to help the science move forward.
In both Canada and the US, medical research is funded by a combination of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private industry (e.g. pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology, and medical device companies).
In the US, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary government agency funding medical research, alongside foundations that usually focus on one specific autoimmune disease. In Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the main federal agency funding medical and biomedical research.
While funding from these organizations continues to be more important than ever, the growth of autoimmune diseases and its cost on business and society demands an all-hands-on-deck approach, including heightened private dollars and philanthropy towards autoimmune disease research and ending autoimmune diseases.
The medical science community requires funding meets a variety of needs including:
• More diverse sources of funding to protect from vulnerabilities like cuts to government spending or a poor economy.
• More risk-averse funding to enhance advancement of unconventional, high-risk, high reward research projects which often struggle to get off the ground.
• No strings-attached funding to promote greater scientific freedom and avoid tying researchers down to predefined outcomes.
• More promotion of collaboration and knowledge sharing. This will help to offset knowledge silos due to a culture of competition that marks the biomedical and medical research culture.
• Less administrative burden as streamlining the application process would save on costs and free up researchers to focus more on their work.
• Less information gatekeeping: we need alternative, less expensive channels to share scientific knowledge and new discoveries.
Praespero meets a gap in funding by supporting novel, unconventional research focused on harnessing the power of the immune system (rather than suppressing it), and promoting deeper cross disciplinary research and medical research collaboration.
The complexity and diversity of autoimmune diseases mean there is always a need for more research to fully understand the mechanisms of autoimmunity and develop effective treatments for autoimmune diseases.
In North America, while there are thousands of research projects on autoimmune diseases launched each year, much of traditional research has been focused on immune suppressing treatments (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4061980/)[LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)leaving patients susceptible to infections, long term health problems and a host of other diseases. Recognition that this approach to treatment must change is rapidly expanding, but much research is still largely focused on treating, rather than understanding root causes, curing and proactive prevention of autoimmune diseases.
But there is hope! Praespero is funding a variety of exciting autoimmune disease research projects, with an aim to harness the power of the immune system to treat, prevent and cure autoimmune diseases. With the help of donors, philanthropists and every day citizens across the world, raising awareness ()[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)and funding research[()LG3] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_3), we can advance the science of autoimmune diseases!
To learn more on the projects we’ve funded and are currently funding, visit here[()LG4] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_4).
Through Praespero Canada and the US, Praespero funds novel autoimmune disease research in registered labs worldwide, focusing on understanding root causes, developing sustainable treatments that work with the body, and advancing prevention and cures.
Our focus is innovative medical research, as well as exploratory, biomedical research that holds strong potential to translate to clinical research.
Our upcoming sister organization, Praespero Fund US, will support related causes linked to immune system health, including general health, environment, agriculture, and more.
Following a rigorous set of criteria, our Scientific Advisory board ()[LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1) selects award recipients to receive scientific research grants of up to $150,000 CAD for “novel research” (innovative medical research and bio medical research projects).
It’s hard to make it in the biomedical and medical research industry. Funding agencies like the NIH in America and CIHR in Canada (https://deptmed.queensu.ca/dept-blog/funding-science-canada-how-two-decades-stagnant-grant-funding-has-rendered-canada-non)receive a large volume of applications, and only a small percentage (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15710960/#:~:text=Abstract,for%20anyone%20who%20writes%20grants.)are ultimately funded. Due to many systemic challenges in the granting system, thousands of exciting and innovative research project proposals don’t even get seen or considered by major funders.
Enter Praespero. Our Innovation Awards are all about the chain reaction effect. $150L can go a long way to help emerging, up and coming scientists create a solid case to get their project to the next step. We fund ground-breaking research that would most likely not receive funding from mainstream sources such as NIH or CIHR. This funding helps research teams get their science off the ground, build their story and bolster their candidacy for other major funding.
Click here ()[LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)to learn more about the challenges facing researchers in the world of grants and science research funding.
To learn more about our Innovation Awards click here. ()[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)
No. All our budget for funding research and medical research collaboration is 100% funded by the generosity of everyday citizens and philanthropists. You can donate to Praespero here.[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1)
Six things that make Praespero unique include:
1. Praespero doesn’t focus on one autoimmune disease – rather we provide novel biomedical and medical research funding that targets all autoimmune diseases holistically to encourage more cross pollination of discoveries across teams.
2. Praespero encourages medical research collaboration with programs[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1) that facilitate cross disciplinary research and knowledge sharing, such as our annual summit[()LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2), bringing together a diversity of experts and encouraging them to work together.
3. Praespero funds Innovative medical research projects that may not qualify for traditional funding. We focus on higher risk, higher reward, filling a gap in the research funding space to help the science move forward.
4. We give full scientific freedom to recipients of medical research funding , allowing our experts to explore without boundaries and follow where the science is leading.
5. Praespero funds autoimmune disease research that focuses on working with the body, rather than suppressing the immune system.
6. We are focused on ending autoimmune diseases through understanding root causes with an aim to end autoimmune diseases through prevention and cures.
This is a high stakes moment for public health.
Autoimmune disease cases are rising[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1), as are the costs of diagnosis and treatment. The costs on individuals, employers and public health programs are growing. Meanwhile governments are cutting funding.
Traditional medical research funding m()odels [LG2] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_2)are in transition.
Conventional thinking will no longer cut it.
To learn more about how your donation will advance autoimmune disease research visit here.[()LG3] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_3)
All donations will be eligible for a tax receipt. Praespero - An Autoimmune Research Fund, is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Our charitable registration number is 775303720RR0001.
For more information visit here.(https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.srchNmFltr=Praespero&q.stts=0007&selectedCharityBn=775303720RR0001&dsrdPg=1)
We’ve distributed over $6.5 million to over 30 research projects since Praespero was launched in 2017. We want to increase this amount by engaging the generosity of donors like you.
To donate click here[()LG1] (https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/0f622be1-8525-4cdf-a205-85b335ba597e/wix-faq/create/749fdf94-551c-45db-abf1-eb0986552d45#_msocom_1).
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