IMMUNE REACTIONS IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE MAIN PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS AND THEIR CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This article aimed to discuss the main immunological mechanisms involved in the origin and progression of autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of understanding how a dysregulated immune response acts against the body’s own components. The research was based on an integrative literature review composed of 28 articles published between 2020 and 2025, with the objective of identifying pathophysiological patterns and their clinical implications. The study evaluated the activation processes of autoreactive T and B lymphocytes, the production of autoantibodies, failures in immunoregulation, and alterations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), seeking to demonstrate how these immune responses contribute to the clinical diversity and severity of autoimmune conditions. Recurrent patterns were identified across the analyzed studies, such as the persistent presence of autoantibodies, functional deficiency of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and polymorphisms associated with MHC alleles. The interpretative analysis of the data enabled a better understanding of the interactions between molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations, reinforcing the need for an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, the article highlights the relevance of integrating immunological knowledge into therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of life of patients affected by these complex conditions.