Autoimmunity refers to the body’s immune system directing attacks against its own healthy cells. 

These are some of the common features observed in autoimmune diseases: 

• Genetic predisposition associated with HLA (human leukocyte antigen)
• Measurable autoantibody levels
• Onset in young adulthood or middle age
• Increased susceptibility among females of child-bearing age
• Fluctuations in severity of symptoms ranging from flare-ups to remissions
• Immunosuppressive treatments elicit a positive response