@joachim.rigotti: How autoimmune conditions begin For an autoimmune condition to occur, it requires a genetically susceptible individual and a triggering event. Individuals susceptible to autoimmune conditions have immune cells that are either not trained as well as they should, termed central tolerance, or are not regulated as well as they should, termed peripheral tolerance. These reactive immune cells may not cause any overt issues on their own. However, when a triggering event such as an infection occurs, many inflammatory molecules and cell debris are released. This can tip these immune cells over the edge, so they begin attacking our own cells, causing an autoimmune condition. #autoimmunedisease #ms #lupus #rheumatoidarthritis