Lupus, a Chronic, Autoimmune Disease

Lupus, is a chronic, autoimmune disease, which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, and kidneys. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system the make antibodies directed against "self".…