Autoimmunity occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues, or organs. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infections and diseases by identifying and destroying harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases, this system fails to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to inflammation and damage. There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. The exact cause of autoimmunity is not fully understood, but it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors that trigger the immune response against the body’s own components.